A teenager has been arrested in relation to a fatal shooting of a man outside a south Hamilton home, but police have warned that a second suspect remains at large and should not be approached.
Michael James Thompson, 29, of Hamilton, was shot last Friday during an incident in Melville, following reports of an altercation between several males. He was shot at close range.
A 17-year-old was arrested yesterday after the Waikato armed offenders squad raided three homes in Te Rapa and Nawton following a tip-off from members of the public, district crime manager Detective Inspector Karl Thornton said.
"As a result of a search conducted at an Ellicott Rd address, one 17-year-old male was arrested and is currently being interviewed by detectives," he said.
The arrest was a "good result" for the progression of the homicide investigation - dubbed 'Operation Botany' - Mr Thornton said, but police were still looking for another teenager in relation to the shooting.
"Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating 17-year-old Tyson-Tainui Rukuwai Te Tomo, who is believed to have access to firearms and should not be approached," Mr Thornton said.
"A male Maori of medium build and about 175cm tall, Rukuwai Te Tomo has a distinctive 'Mighty Mongrel Mob' bulldog tattoo on the left cheek of his face. Anyone who recognises this man is urged not to approach him, but instead contact police by phoning 111."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Operation Botany team at Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
