Child’s toy gun sparks armed police response in Dunedin

CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF

Police were called to John Wilson Ocean Dr, after a gun was spotted out the window. (File photo)

Reports of a gun being brandished out a car window turned out to be toy story.

Police were called to the incident on Andersons Bay Rd, Dunedin, about 3pm on Saturday.

That vehicle was later spotted on John Wilson Ocean Dr, prompting armed police to conduct an armed stop, Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said.

But the culprit turned out to be a child in the rear seat, armed only with a toy gun and a vivid imagination.

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‘’Obviously we take every report seriously, and have to respond appropriately,’’ Dinnissen said.

The parents were initially confused as to why the police interest in their vehicle, he said. It was a reminder for parents to be aware of how a toy gun may look to other motorists.

Police were called to reports of a cyclist being injured on Main Rd, in the suburb of Fairfield on Saturday, about 2pm.

The male suffered abdominal injuries and concussion, and it was unclear if he had come off his bike, or was struck by a vehicle, Dinnissen said.

‘’We are still looking for anyone who can assist.’’

Police also searched a vehicle, after a smell of cannabis was detected, uncovering two ounces of the drug and almost 400 LSD tabs – a class A drug.

A 17-year-old and 18-year-old, both from the upper South Island area, were arrested.

The duo was expected to appear in the Dunedin District Court on Monday.