Pepper spray and Tasers were deployed unsuccessfully to subdue a man before he was shot by police officers in Rotorua this afternoon.
In a statement released this evening, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says an officer was driving along Vaughan Road when he has felt a thump on the side of his patrol car at approximately 12.52pm.
As the officer has pulled over and exited his vehicle he noticed a man acting suspiciously.
'The officer went to speak to the man and noticed him holding a four-foot long slasher,” says Andy.
'The officer has moved back to the police car at which time the man has attacked it. The man then walked off and the officer called for assistance.”
The officer followed the man Marino Road where he was approached by armed police staff at a commercial premises.
Following multiple requests asking the man to drop his weapon, police then sprayed the man with pepper spray which had no effect
Officers then shot the man three times with tasers in an effort to subdue him, with each attempt being unsuccessful, explains Andy.
'The man has then walked off towards Te Ngae Road in the direction of a shopping centre, still armed with the slasher," he says.
'Following further warnings by police, an armed officer has then shot the man twice.”
Following the shooting, officers provided immediate first aid at the scene until ambulance staff arrived and transported the man to Rotorua Hospital where he is receiving further medical treatment.
Police believe the man was affected by a substance, possibly methamphetamine.
An investigation has now been launched into the circumstances leading up to the man being shot. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified of the incident.
Police are aware that there were a significant number of people in the area who may have witnessed the incident and are asking that anyone with information or footage of the event to contact them to help their investigation.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
7 comments
Another shooting by police
Posted on 14-07-2016 18:41 | By firemansam01
I have to ask why police are taking fatal shoots, As must as they need to protect everyone and with the amount of police shootings why don't they aim for the legs or arm? It seems some cops see it as a once in a life time to fire there gun in a real situation. What does everyone else think
Hmmmm firemansam01
Posted on 15-07-2016 09:14 | By How about this view!
All agencies teach their staff to shoot at the biggest target, the torso, because it is easier to hit when you have adrenaline running, your hands are shaking and your heart is pounding in your chest. This tends to reduce the possibility of stray rounds hitting INNOCENT bystanders. Personally, I support the way our police are showing utmost restraint in their actions of late. Pepper spray and taser having been initially deployed and having no effect, the use of the next tool in their cupboard seems perfectly reasonable. From what I understand, both of these shootings have been drug related, THERE IS YOUR ANSWER!!!! Gang activities are behind our crumbling social society and it is almost as if they are being treated as a special case and ABOVE the laws of the land.
If anything
Posted on 15-07-2016 10:39 | By BullShtAlert
If anything the police were very generous in their warnings. Luckily the threat to the public was eventually disabled. Please tell me that ACC won't be used to pay for rehabilitation etc etc.
shot
Posted on 15-07-2016 12:16 | By dumbkof2
if someone was comming at me with a weapon or gun i would be shooting to kill. simple dont threaten anyone with a deadly weapon and you wont get shot
Question
Posted on 15-07-2016 12:58 | By DAD
Why cant Police bring these people down by shooting their knees , it would stop them and then they will be reminded for life how stupid they where. They would not be eligible for ACC or any other benefits! Let their families look after them!
Dad
Posted on 15-07-2016 14:21 | By Turk 4
You have been watching too many Clint Eastwood movies... Knees are a VERY small (Generally) MOVING target...
Firemansam and Dad
Posted on 16-07-2016 02:48 | By Kenworthlogger
If this needs explaining to you then it shows your level of intelligence. Next you will be wanting law enforcement to shoot the offender in the fingertips. Good grief.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.