|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police say they acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) into a non-fatal shooting in west Auckland in September two years ago.
On September 27, 2023, police received information a stolen vehicle involved in an aggravated robbery was at a petrol station.
Police blocked the vehicle in and approached, however the driver rammed other vehicles to escape.
Units pursued the vehicle at slow speed on the Northwestern Motorway, exiting at Lincoln Road. The driver exited the stolen vehicle carrying a long-barreled firearm.
Following this, he unsuccessfully attempted to carjack multiple vehicles, police say.
Armed police had arrived on scene, when the offender pointed his firearm at the first officer.
Despite being told to drop his firearm, the offender continued and opened the passenger door of a truck. He proceeded to point the firearm at the driver.
While the driver was trying to get out of the truck, the officer fired his pistol at the offender.
The offender was injured, surrendered and was taken to hospital for surgery.
An IPCA investigation found the officer was justified in shooting the offender, and that overall police exercised appropriate command and control of the incident.
The pursuit was also carried out according to police policy.
Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā Police District Commander, acknowledges the report’s findings released today, November 11.
“I want to recognise the work of our frontline every day, which in many cases requires them to respond and make split-second decisions in situations unfolding rapidly to keep people safe.”
The Authority found the use of force with a firearm was reasonable and proportionate, she says.
“It’s clear the armed offender posed an imminent threat to the safety of those around him.
“The entirety of this incident unfolded in around 10 minutes, and our staff moved forward with courage given what was taking place on the overbridge.
“I’m incredibly proud of our police officers on that day.”
In September this year, a 31-year-old man was convicted and sentenced at the Auckland High Court for presenting a firearm at a person.
