Fatal shooting inquiries continue

Police investigating the fatal shooting of a Thames man are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances that resulted in the Police Negotiation team and Police Armed Offenders Squad being deployed.

Photo: file.

Police have confirmed 33-year-old Thames man Vaughan William John Te Moananui died after he was shot on Saturday.

As police develop a clearer picture of the day's events, they wish to clarify an initial media release describing the man as being ‘in custody' was incorrect. This was a mistaken belief at the time based on initial information. Police confirm the victim was not in custody at the time of the shooting.

Police were initially called to an address in Kopu in response to a call for assistance about midday yesterday.

While at Kopu, later that afternoon, police were informed that Mr Te Moananui was at another address in Thames.

The Armed Offenders Squad redeployed to that address, and as they approached, found Mr Te Moananui.

Police say he was called upon to surrender. However, he presented a firearm at police at which point he was shot. Despite police instantly undertaking CPR, he was pronounced dead at Thames Hospital a short time later.

The post mortem has been completed in Auckland and the cause of death will be determined by the Coroner.

A number of investigators from across the Waikato have been called to Thames to assist with the scene examination, area enquiries and the investigation.

Inquiries are focussing on the activities of Mr Te Moananui yesterday and the preceding weeks.

Police would like anyone who interacted with Mr Te Moananui recently, or saw any of the events from Saturday to please make contact with the Operation STROBE team at the Thames Police Station on 07 8679600.

Information can also be provided anonymously through the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Four investigations into this matter will run concurrently, including investigations commenced by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Coroner. District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird says the incident was tragic for all involved.

"Our sympathies again go out to Mr Te Moananui's family at this difficult time.”

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.