A man, believed to be in his 30s, was shot by North Shore Police this evening and is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital. A second man was arrested at the scene and will appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow to face a charge of disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.
The shooting occurred at about 5.45pm this evening during an incident after Police were called to assist security officers working on behalf of the North Shore City Council who were attempting to remove equipment from a private address – as the result of a noise complaint - on Eskdale Rd, Birkdale.
While one man was being arrested outside the property, another came at the three arresting Police officers wielding a machete and another type of knife.
Initial reports from witnesses at the scene are that the man was shot while Police were retreating from him. The man was shot at least twice in the torso. He was removed from the scene immediately by ambulance and taken to Auckland Hospital.
A criminal investigation has been initiated and is being headed by acting Detective Inspector Gary Davey of Takapuna CIB. The Police Complaints Authority has been notified and the PCA enquiry has begun.
Superintendent Graham Emery, National Manager Professional Standards from the Office of the Commissioner, has travelled to Auckland to provide an initial contact point for the PCA enquiry.
North Shore Area Commander Inspector Mike Hill said every effort is being made to determine the sequence of tonight’s events.
"Like any serious investigation of this type, we will take our time and do things properly. Initial area inquiries have revealed a number of witnesses and they will all be spoken to as part of this investigation."
The scene at Eskdale Rd has been cordoned off and the road is partially closed and will remain so until sometime tomorrow morning.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz
MEDIA NOTE: Inspector Hill will host a media briefing at Takapuna Police Station at 17-19 Anzac St, Takapuna, at 9.30pm tonight.