Police have arrested a man after allegedly presenting an imitation firearm during a Facebook Marketplace transaction last night.
The incident unfolded at a Takanini petrol station at around 9.20pm, where two men had arranged to meet to sell a vehicle.
Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Minho Lee, says the pair had agreed on a sale price for the vehicle.
¡°During the course of the transaction a disagreement arose around the final purchase price,¡± he says.
¡°At one point the offender allegedly showed the seller what was believed to be a firearm in his possession.¡±
The transaction concluded and all parties left the area, including the offender in the vehicle that had been advertised for sale.
Police later received a report about the incident.
¡°A Police Camera Operator later came across the vehicle parked on Karangahape Road just after midnight,¡± Senior Sergeant Lee says.
¡°Armed staff approached the vehicle and located the offender in the driver¡¯s seat.¡±
Senior Sergeant Lee says the man was arrested, with an imitation firearm and a large amount of cannabis located inside the vehicle.
The 35-year-old man is expected to appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with possessing cannabis for supply and present an object like a firearm.
The vehicle has since been returned to the registered owner.
ENDS.
Tony Wright/51½ÖÉä