Monday, 27 July 2009 - 5:24pm |
National News

Wounded man had three weapons

1 min read

The man shot by Police outside a Smale St, Pt Chevalier, Auckland property at about 1pm today, was armed with a meat cleaver and two other knives when he advanced on officers who were off the property and keeping observations on him while waiting for the Armed Offenders Squad to attend.

He is in Auckland Hospital after three hours of surgery to remove a bullet from a chest wound and his condition has been described by medical experts as stable.

The man, a 36 year-old, was taken to hospital by ambulance after being shot by a Police officer at a forward observation point while other officers who had attended the 111 call for Police service had retreated further away from the property.

It's believed the man was the only occupant of the property at the time of the shooting. The address has been cordoned off and a scene examination is expected to continue for several days.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent George Fraser, said the Armed Offender's Squad was in the process of being deployed from Auckland Central Police Station when the man left the house he had been contained in and advanced on Police.

"A taser and qualified operator had also been requested to attend the incident and was en route at the time of the shooting," Mr Fraser said.

"A 111 call requesting Police attendance was made from a neighbouring address when the caller expressed concerns for his safety. We are investigating who made that call and what exactly happened at the address before and while Police were there."

Police have located several members of the man's family and have spoken to several witnesses to this afternoon's events. The officers immediately involved in the shooting will not be required to work until deemed fit for duty.

ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz