15 Jul 2024

Family of man killed outside vape store 'in shock', councillor says

1:50 pm on 15 July 2024
A man was found dead in a vehicle on Penrose Road in Mt Wellington on Saturday night, 13 July.

A man was found dead in a vehicle on Penrose Road in Mt Wellington on Saturday night, 13 July. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell

The family of a man found dead in a car outside a vape shop at the weekend is devastated, says an Auckland councillor.

Police were called to Penrose Road in Mount Wellington about 10.40pm on Saturday after reports of a gun being fired outside a business.

When they arrived, a man was found dead inside a vehicle.

At the scene, broken glass and blood could be seen on the ground by the driver's side of the car door.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews said police were in the early stages of working out what happened, but it seemed those involved knew each other

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward councillor Josephine Bartley said she had been in contact with the family of the deceased.

"I had his Aunty message me on Facebook," she said.

"They are in shock, and she's just upset."

The cordon on Penrose Road in Mt Wellington where someone was found dead on Saturday night, 13 July.

The cordon on Penrose Road in Mt Wellington where someone was found dead on Saturday night, 13 July. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell

The community had voiced their concerns about safety, Bartley said.

Councillor Josephine Bartley at the Māngere Welfare Centre, which was shifted to the community fitness centre in Mangere to meet the demand for help. 31/1/23

Councillor Josephine Bartley. Photo: RNZ/ Felix Walton

"I've heard some real serious concerns from the community about safety in the area, I've heard our community saying that they have some real issues with provision of community facilities in the area, and that some want to see strong enforcement."

Some wanted to see a see a long-term community response to crime, Bartley said.

"I think the police presence is needed," she said.

"Especially to give our community a sense of safety, having that police presence there."

Bartley raised concerns around the number of recent gun crimes in Auckland.

"We are experiencing so many shootings," she said.

"How come these people have got guns, and they're just out there shooting people."

Police continue their investigation

Police said the post mortem was expected to take place on Monday.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Allan said a scene examination had been completed, and police would to continue to speak to witnesses.

"We appreciate there are several questions the public will have about what has happened, however we are still in the early stages."

A formal identification of the victim would also be carried out on Monday, Allan said.

The community could expect an increased police presence in the Mt Wellington area over the next few days, he said.

Anyone who was in the area or has information which can help police but has not yet spoken to them can get in touch with police by calling 105, quoting file number 240714/0428.