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Inquiries follow fatality
Three investigations are underway after an Auckland-based police officer
shot and killed a knife-wielding man last month.
The officer, who has been hailed a hero for saving the life of the woman
victim, is currently recovering at home from knife injuries.
A homicide investigation, coroner’s court investigation and Police Complaints
Authority investigation are all underway following the 14 August incident
in Pakuranga.
Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford, Counties/Manukau District Crime
Services Manager, is heading the homicide investigation – Operation
Dale. “Three police officers initially responded and because of the
nature of the call, one of them had access to a police issue firearm,” he
says. “It had all the hallmarks of being a violent nature/domestic incident.
“While inside the address, two of the three officers confronted the
man who
was in possession of a large carving knife.”
A woman was struck around the head with the knife and one of the officers
produced his firearm. “The man was told several times to put the knife
down but refused, so several shots were fired into the thigh region. This
had little effect and he continued attacking the woman. A shot to the head
region was then discharged and the male fell to the ground and died virtually
straight away.”
The woman, who was married to the 37-year-old man, and the police officer
were treated for their injuries at hospital.
“The actions of the police officer were somewhat heroic, although not
all members of the public may agree with that,” says Steve.
As Ten-One went to print, the homicide inquiry was well advanced with
the findings to be assessed by OoC.
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