Police acknowledge the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s response to the tragic incident in Whangarei last year where three people were shot at an address by Quinn Patterson.
Wendy Campbell-Rodgers and Natanya Campbell were fatally shot when they, along with a male contractor, had gone to the Mt Tiger Road address on 26 July 2017 to inspect the property and install a smoke alarm.
A significant Police operation was carried out involving our Armed Offenders Squad supported by the Special Tactics Group and ultimately came to an end when Mr Patterson set fire to the house.
Our deepest sympathies remain with Wendy and Natanya’s Whānau who continue to grieve the loss of two much loved and cherished family members.
Detective Superintendent Dave Lynch says as this matter remains subject to a Coronial inquiry, Police are limited in what we can say however we acknowledge the findings by the IPCA, which found that Police responded professionally to what was an extremely serious and tragic situation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the bravery of the staff who were involved in this incident, particularly members of the AOS who despite knowing there was an active shooter, still did everything they could to try and save Wendy and Natanya, forming a human shield around them to allow AOS medics to examine them.
“Our officers encounter dangerous situations every day, however this incident in particular was incredibly fast moving and highly complex. The officers maintained excellent control and command throughout this incident and their professionalism in such tragic circumstances is to be commended,” says Detective Supt. Lynch.
“There is also mention in the IPCA report around Police dealings with Mr Patterson before 26 July 2017, however the IPCA has acknowledged that the information available to Police about Mr Patterson was insufficient to raise concerns or warrant an emergency response.
“In relation to the visit to Mr Patterson’s property by two Police staff, we would point out that this visit found no criminal activity and that it was a tenancy matter between Mr Patterson and the landlord of the property.
“Likewise Officer C, who had suspicions that there may have been someone using a semi-automatic weapon in the general area, had insufficient evidence to seek a search warrant for Mr Patterson’s address prior to events of 26 July 2017.
“In summary, Police had no information that indicated that Mr Patterson posed an imminent or significant threat,” says Detective Supt. Lynch.
“Based on the information available to Police, we do not believe there was anything we could have done to prevent the tragic events that occurred on 26 July 2017.”
Police will not be making any further comment until the Coronial inquiry is complete.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police