Lara Zijl 
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Carterton on Saturday afternoon. The incident began with a shooting at a Fresh Choice supermarket in Featherston.
Around 4 pm, a firearm was discharged at a vehicle leaving the carpark of the supermarket on State Highway 2. The victim was later found in a vehicle on Carterton’s Main Street, suffering from a gunshot wound. He subsequently died.
A second vehicle that fled the scene was later intercepted by police in Kaitoke. Two individuals from that vehicle are currently in custody. Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel stated that the extent of their involvement is still under investigation.
A thorough scene examination will be conducted in Featherston over the coming days. Police have acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and have increased their presence in the community to provide reassurance.
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark confirmed that police and ambulance services responded to the incident. He expressed confidence in the police’s ability to resolve the case quickly and reassured the community that the incident appeared to be targeted and did not pose a wider threat. The mayor also stated that the victim was transported to Carterton in a vehicle.
State Highways 2 through Featherston and Carterton, and State Highway 2 at Kaitoke, have since reopened. New World Carterton has temporarily closed its store, pending further updates.
Police are seeking any witnesses or individuals with information about the incident or the individuals involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 105, either online or via phone.
