Sunday, 3 May 2015 - 3:02pm |
National News

Update on Thames fatal firearms incident

2 min read

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.

As Police develop a clearer picture of the events of the day, we wish to clarify that 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 that the dead man was not in custody at the time of the shooting.

The dead man is Vaughan William John Te Moananui, 33, of Thames.

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. 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 across 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, Phone 07 8679600. Information can also be provided anonymously through the organisation Crimestoppers, ph 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.”

Ends

Media note: Detective Inspector Chris Page of Waikato Police will be holding a media stand-up at 5.00pm today at the front of Thames Police Station, 404A Queen St.

Media contact: Ross Henderson, PNHQ Public Affairs, ph 021 192 2919