Armed man shot dead during police pursuit

Auckland Police have confirmed an armed man fleeing from officers travelled through Pakuranga before being shot at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre this afternoon, August 13.

Superintendent Sunny Patel, the Auckland City Police district commander, says earlier today at around 2pm, police received information about a theft of an air-rifle at Gun City in Penrose.

“The offender has fled in a vehicle and units have been dispatched.

“The Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area and has located the white Suzuki Swift travelling near Sylvia Park.

“Eagle has monitored overhead and tracked the vehicle travelling into the Pakuranga area, where it has entered the car park at Pakuranga Plaza,” Patel says.

“From there, the vehicle quickly exited onto the Pakuranga Highway and began driving erratically towards Panmure.”

Police units successfully deployed spikes as the vehicle continued towards Panmure, he says.

“The vehicle continued towards the Mt Wellington Highway, still being driven in an erratic manner.

“It has become stranded at an intersection outside Sylvia Park Shopping Centre.

“At this point, approximately 2.50pm, the offender fled on foot carrying a long-barrelled air rifle.

“He has run on foot onto the grounds of the shopping centre,” Patel says.

“Units have pursued the offender as he headed towards an entrance into the shopping centre.

“Whilst still in possession of the air-rifle, he has been confronted underneath an overpass where he was been shot by police.

“First aid was immediately provided. However, the offender has been pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Police have now stood up a critical incident investigation into the events that have unfolded this afternoon, August 13.

“Our investigation is still in the very early stages of piecing together all the events,” Patel says.

“A cordon has been set up at the scene, and we ask that people avoid the area at this stage.

“These events have unfolded very quickly in a busy area, with people shopping at the mall and the afternoon rush hour getting under way.

“I can reassure the public that there is no ongoing risk. Police will provide further information as our enquiries develop.”