A wanted man armed with a shotgun has been taken to Waikato Hospital after being shot by police during an incident in Hamilton on Tuesday morning.
According to a report by 1News, Police were first alerted just before 9am after reports of an allegedly stolen vehicle being driven erratically on Cambridge Rd in Te Awamutu. Inspector Will Loughrin said early information indicated the driver was already known to police.
“Initial information suggested the driver was wanted by police in relation to prior serious incidents,” Loughrin said, as quoted by 1News.
The vehicle was later located in Ulster St, where police moved in after it was seen attempting to leave a carpark. As officers tried to prevent the vehicle from exiting, the driver produced a shotgun.
“Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do,” Loughrin said, 1News has quoted.
“An officer then fired two shots at the offender.”
Police provided immediate first aid at the scene before St John ambulance staff transported the man to Waikato Hospital. He remains in a moderate condition.
“His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening,” Loughrin said.
A 29-year-old woman who was also in the vehicle and wanted in relation to a serious incident was not injured. She was arrested at the scene.
“Thankfully, no police staff were injured in this incident,” Loughrin said, as quoted by 1News.
Speaking later at a press conference, Loughrin confirmed the man was “wanted in relation to serious violent offending” linked to an incident on January 29. He described the man as a 40-year-old patched gang member “with prior violent convictions,” as quoted by 1News.
Members of the public were advised to avoid the area, with road closures expected to remain in place for several hours.
“We want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident,” Loughrin said, 1News has quoted.
Police are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area, with residents advised to expect an increased police presence over the coming days. Support is also being provided to officers involved.
A critical incident investigation has been launched, and the shooting will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as required for all incidents involving police firearms.