A prominent member of Auckland's gay community was shot in the face by an air rifle pellet and another came close to injury on Karangahape Road at the weekend. Injured: Taurewa Vic Biddle Taurewa Vic Biddle, who has appeared in HIV campaigns targeting Maori men, was amongst a group outside Kamo bar and cafe during a Saturday night 40th birthday celebration for past owner Louise Whibley. He heard a "loud noise" and felt a thud on his cheek, just 3cm from his eye. "It penetrated into my cheek just below the cheekbone," says Biddle. Checking the wound indoors he was able to "just see the pellet" and managed to "push it out". Standing next to Biddle, event organiser and promoter Julian Cooke says he heard three loud bangs and felt two pellets hit him in the back. They did not penetrate his clothing. The motive for the shooting is not known, bystanders believe the shots were fired from a passing car. Police attended the incident and took statements but will not comment on the case "while an investigation is under way."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 7th September 2009 - 3:29pm