Man pointed gun at police officer

A 20-year-old man has been arrested after pointing a gun at a police woman in Bay of Plenty this morning.

The police constable was investigating a report of suspicious behaviour in Katikati when the incident occurred around 2.30am.

She had just left the home of a witness in her patrol car when she spotted a man near the intersection of Fairview Road and Robinson Street, a police spokeswoman said.

"When she stopped to speak to the man he dropped bags he was carrying and swung a rifle toward her. The officer immediately left the area and called for assistance.''

The area was cordoned off and the Armed Offenders Squad were called. A bag containing a rifle and ammunition was found a short time later and the man was later arrested.

Property from a burglary in the town has also been recovered.

The local man will appear at Tauranga District Court later today charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, unlawful taking of a vehicle.

- © Fairfax NZ News