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A man killed following a double shooting in the Auckland CBD on Thursday, August 3, has been named as 26-year-old Sione Tuuholoaki.
“Our thoughts are with Sione’s family as they continue to grieve their loss,” Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said on Monday.
“This is a very difficult time for them, and we are ensuring they have support in place.
“Our investigation team are continuing to work hard to bring them answers and to ensure the person responsible is held to account.”
The “dangerous” 24-year-old man wanted by police in relation Tuuholoaki’s death is still on the run.
A homicide investigation was launched on Friday evening following the death of Tuuholoaki, who was critically injured in the shooting in Queen St on Thursday night.
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Sione Tuuholoaki, 26, died last week after being shot in Auckland CBD.
Police have since asked the public for help locating Dariush Talagi, 24, who may be able to assist with its investigation.
“Our message to Daruish would be to hand himself in, or for anyone who sees him to call us immediately,” Bolton said.
Talagi, who is considered dangerous, has distinctive facial tattoos. Anyone who sees Talagi or knows where he might be is advised to contact the police on 111.
While police did not think there was a wider risk to the public, Bolton said it was important police located Talagi.
“It is only a matter of time, Dariush, and now is the time to hand yourself in,” Bolton said.
“My message to anyone who has chosen to help him evade police is to do the right thing.
“Being an accessory after the fact is a criminal offence, and you could be put before the court.”
A second man who was shot remains in Auckland City Hospital in a stable condition.
Police responded to reports of a small group fight on the corner of Queen St and Fort St shortly before midnight.
During the fight, a person pulled out a gun and fired at least four shots, hitting one victim in the head and the other in the abdomen.
The shooter, who wore distinctive red and black pants and a red hat, fled the scene on a Lime scooter.
Bolton said investigating police are following positive lines of enquiry. He assured those who live and work in the CBD that this was an isolated incident and that they should not be concerned.
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Tuuholoaki, pictured with his artwork.
“I know there will be interest around what our investigation team is doing, however there are some operational sensitives at present,” he said. “I can reassure the public that our absolute priority is to bring about answers for this man’s family.”
Footage from CCTV cameras – of which there are many in the CBD – is being used to assist the investigation.
“We are continuing to ask anyone to come forward with information if they have not done so already,” Bolton said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 230804/3399, or online at police.govt.nz/use-105
Stuff
A spokesperson for Lime said the company was aware of the incident and were in touch with police about supporting the investigation. (File photo)
Tips may also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Another homicide investigation was launched in Auckland on Saturday after a male took himself to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition, having suffered gunshot wounds.
Police were called to Taurima Reserve in Point England at about 2.40pm after “several” reports of disorder and sounds of gunshots, Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Salton of the Auckland City CIB said.
The man arrived at Auckland Hospital in a critical condition and has since died as a result of his injuries.
“Police are following strong lines of inquiry in relation to both the Queen St homicide on Thursday night and the Point England homicide on Saturday,” a police spokesperson said on Sunday evening.
Anyone with information is advised to contact police via the 105 number or online at police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report with the reference job number P055572141.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
RICKY WILSON/STUFF
Andrew Coster speaks after the shooting incident in the Auckland CBD.
These incidents follow a shooting at a construction site at the corner of Queen and Quay streets on July 20.
Three people died in the incident, including the shooter, 24-year-old Matu Reid.
A police officer was critically hurt and faces a long recovery.
Police will remain “highly visible” in the central city in the coming weeks to ensure people feel safe, acting Superintendent Sunny Patel said.
“We acknowledge recent incidents will be alarming for those who live, work, or come into the city to visit. It is always concerning for police when people chose to employ violence so brazenly.”
Additional staff from across Auckland had been deployed to prevent crime.
“If anyone finds themselves in a situation where they feel unsafe or if an incident is occurring, please call 111.”
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