Operation Kenny Release 2
22 January 2008
The investigations into yesterday's armed incident in Waihi that ended with a man being shot after pointing a gun at Police are continuing this morning.
The man, believed to be 19, is alleged to have fired at Police several times while being pursued between Tauranga and Waihi after he was allegedly disturbed during a burglary about 12.30pm at Ngongotaha, outside Rotorua.
He underwent surgery in Waikato Hospital last night and is currently under Police guard in the intensive care unit in a critical condition.
The woman driving the van during yesterday's events is expected to appear in the Tauranga District Court today on separate matters.
Investigators are still working to establish her role in events that took place.
An investigator from the Independent Police Conduct Authority is expected to arrive in Waihi this morning while around 20 staff have been assembled from throughout the Eastern Waikato and Hamilton.
Acting Eastern Waikato Area commander, Inspector John Kelly, said the scene examination is continuing today as is interviews with witnesses, both from within the Police and members of the public.
"The road will remain closed probably till at least this afternoon, due to the time of day events unfolded and the fact that they involved the offending vehicle being driven around various streets of Waihi there are still a lot of people to be interviewed.
"An Explosives Ordnance Disposal team from the Defence Force arrived at the scene last night and removed a quantity of items the nature of which still have to be ascertained," said Mr Kelly.
A press conference is scheduled for 3pm today, the venue will be advised in due course.
END