Operation Kenny Release 4
22 January 2008
Operation Kenny, the investigation into yesterday's shooting of an armed man in Waihi is continuing with 23 staff from across the Eastern Waikato and Hamilton involved.
In addition Independent Police Conduct Authority investigator Gerry Cunneen has arrived in Waihi to oversee an independent inquiry into the shooting.
Inquiry head, Waikato Crime Services manager, Detective Inspector Pete Devoy, said the investigation had made good progress.
"But there is still a lot of work yet to be completed as yesterday's incident went over several hours and spanned a distance of over 150km."
To date the enquiry has established that there were two people in the van which was stolen in a burglary of a property outside Rotorua about 12.30pm.
The van was followed by Police from Ngongotaha to Tauranga via the Tauranga Direct Rd, through Tauranga via Greerton and on to SH2 to Waihi.
"During the pursuit the male travelling as a front seat passenger has fired shots at the Police vehicles and at least two of those vehicles were struck with bullets," said Mr Devoy.
"We can confirm members of the Tauranga Armed Offenders squad had deployed to deal with the pursuit and they were tasked with initiating a vehicle stop as it was leaving Waihi."
At the time the van was stopped it was being driven erratically and at a low speed as a result of road spikes being deployed which deflated 2-3 tyres.
"The vehicle stop took place about 50m from the intersections of Baber and Seddon Streets.
"An AOS vehicle has cut off the van and forced it off the road where, the van lost control on wet grass and came to a halt after hitting a tree head-on.
The Police car that initiated the stop remained on the right side of the van while the second patrol car with AOS members on board came to a halt about 10m behind the van.
"Witnesses have confirmed that the male passenger has got out of the van with the rifle and immediately raised it into the aim, pointing it at the Police officers in the second car and we can confirm the weapon was loaded at this time.
"At this stage a single round was fired from a Police issue .223 calibre M4 rifle and it has struck the offender in the mid torso," said Mr Devoy.
The offender was incapacitated by the shot and was given initial first aid by responding officers before the arrival of St John ambulance staff.
He was then driven to Paeroa to meet a waiting air ambulance helicopter and flown to Waikato Hospital where he underwent surgery last night.
The offender is currently in a critical but stable condition in the hospital's intensive care unit, under Police guard.
Police are endeavouring to speak to the family of the shot man at this time.
Meanwhile there have been further developments relating to the case of the 18-year-old female driver of the van.
"At this stage we can confirm the female driver of the van was interviewed by Police yesterday afternoon and into the evening and is not being treated as a hostage.
"She appeared in the Tauranga District Court today on a raft of charges relating to yesterday's events including burglary and a variety of driving offences. The exact nature of her involvement in the pursuit and shooting is still being established," said Mr Devoy.
The Police inquiry team is based at the Waihi Police Station and the team is keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the pursuit between the Tauranga Direct Rd and Waihi.
"If anyone who witnessed the pursuit has not been spoken to by Police they should contact the investigation team on 07 863 3700.
END