Report on Steven Wallace shooting at Waitara - New Zealand Police
Steven James Wallace fatally wounded at Waitara
Sunday 30 April 2000 - Report
Detective Inspector BR Pearce, June 2000
Conclusions
The following conclusions have been compiled following a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading up to and particularly immediately prior to, Steven WALLACE being shot by Police.
These conclusions follow a careful examination of the principal scene including forensics, ballistics and toxicological examinations. The testimony of a number of key witnesses has significantly contributed to the formulation of the conclusions.
That in the 15-20 minutes which immediately preceded his being shot by Police, Steven WALLACE was acting in an irrational, destructive, threatening and dangerous manner in various public places within the Waitara township.
That during that period he embarked on a rampage of destruction directed at various buildings in Waitara including the Police Station, Fire Station, New World Supermarket and other businesses situated in McLean Street, Waitara.
That within that 15-20 minute period he attacked and damaged with a golf club, an occupied taxi and Police patrol, drove dangerously and at speed narrowly avoiding at least two collisions with a motorist and a cyclist.
That Steven WALLACE threatened to attack an occupied motor vehicle owned and driven by Witness 16.
That after Constables A and B had independently observed WALLACE's violent activities they, without collaboration, quite correctly concluded the need to arm themselves with firearms for selfdefence purposes.
That in initially approaching WALLACE from a safe distance, Constables A and B did nothing to provoke WALLACE, other than by their presence.
That only after initially approaching WALLACE and realising he had armed himself with a golf club and baseball bat did Constable B draw his pistol and identify himself as an armed Police Officer.
That Constable A kept his pistol holstered until WALLACE threw a golf club at him.
That Constables A and B immediately adopted a defensive, conciliatory retreating response in direct contrast to WALLACE's offensive and threatening advance.
That Constable A repeatedly, as he retreated, endeavoured to communicate and negotiate with WALLACE, calling on him to desist while advising that he was armed.
That Constables A and B retr