Attribute to Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird:
At approximately midnight last night an officer observed a vehicle travelling at speed on Avenue Road in Morrinsville.
The driver failed to stop when signalled and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle eventually pulled over on Kuranui Road, near Scott Road.
The driver got out of the car and began firing at the pursuing Police unit with what is believed to be a military style, semi-automatic weapon.
The officer took cover in nearby farmland and called for back-up.
The offender continued to shoot at a second Police patrol vehicle that arrived shortly after.
The two officers in the second vehicle returned fire at the offender before also taking cover.
The area was quickly cordoned off and Waikato AOS arrived to safely retrieve the three staff from the area. None of them were physically injured.
Following enquiries this morning Police have located and are speaking to two occupants of the vehicle, a man and a woman, who are assisting with our investigation.
At this stage we believe there was one other male in the vehicle, believed to be the gunman, and we have a team of approximately 30 people, including AOS staff, working to locate him.
We would like to hear from anyone with information relating to the offending vehicle. A red, 2015 Holden Commodore, rego 1AZIF1.
Information can be reported to Waikato Police on (07) 858 6200 or reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A scene examination is also underway and will form part of the investigation.
I would like to commend the attending officers for their bravery in what was a fast moving and dangerous situation.
Police work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and acts of violence like this against our officers are unacceptable.
We take the safety of our staff seriously and will continue to investigate this incident to hold those responsible to account.
We are continuing to offer support to the officers and their families at this time.
I would also like to thank the Morrinsville community for their cooperation and the information they have provided so far.
We acknowledge that incidents like this are frightening and I can assure the public that Police are doing everything we can to resolve this.
Police advice to the community at this time is to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to Police immediately.
Our focus right now is on locating the outstanding offender and we would like to hear from anyone with information that may assist our investigation.
Information can be reported to Waikato Police on (07) 858 6200 or reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
