Detective Senior Sergeant Stu Harvey said yesterday an arrest warrant had been issued for Anthony Miles Tamaiti Watkins in relation to a shooting in Invercargill last weekend.
Watkins (24) was about 1.67m tall and had connections to Invercargill, Dunedin and the Bay of Plenty.
He could be unpredictable, so caution should be taken if any member of the public saw him or had dealings with him, Det Snr Sgt Harvey said.
However, last weekend police said they did not believe there was any risk to public safety stemming from the shooting.
In response to questions why police believed this after the incident, Det Snr Sgt Harvey said police recovered the firearm used in the incident, reducing the risk posed by the wanted man substantially.
"There are other factors which we cannot comment on due to operational reasons."
A 52-year-old man remained in Southland Hospital yesterday after the incident in Kelvin St on Saturday. He was found with a gunshot wound about 9.15am.
The victim was "a completely innocent party in this incident and would like to maintain his privacy in regards to the assault", Det Snr Sgt Harvey said.
Police 111; Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
Apology
The Otago Daily Times website this week posted a Radio New Zealand story which incorrectly reported the person involved in a fatal crash in Southland on Sunday was wanted in connection with a shooting in Invercargill the day before. The person killed in the accident had no connection with the shooting incident. We deeply regret the error and apologise to the families involved.
