Operation Kenny Release 5
23 January 2008
Officers investigating events leading up to the Police shooting of a Rotorua man in Waihi on Monday are appealing for further information.
The head of Operation Kenny, Detective Inspector Pete Devoy said Police wanted to hear from any member of the public who may have heard shots fired along the route the offenders van took.
Stolen in a burglary of a Ngongotaha property about 12.30pm Monday, the van was driven by an 18-year-old Rotorua woman to Tauranga via the Tauranga Direct Rd.
The van has then been followed by Police on SH2 from Tauranga to Waihi before being brought to a stop about 2.35pm.
During the course of the pursuit a number of shots have been fired at Police by a 19-year-old man travelling as a front seat passenger in the van.
Two Police vehicles were struck by bullets during the chase.
On entering Waihi the van was diverted off SH2 on to Gilmour St, it has then struck road spikes which deflated 3 tyres before it was driven on to Seddon St.
Continuing on to Seddon Ave the van has then travelled in a loop via Baber St, Johnston St, Rosemont Rd, left again on to Kenny St before heading back on to Seddon Ave via Devon St.
The van was then ushered off the road by a vehicle being driven by members of the Tauranga Armed Offenders Squad.
As the male passenger exited the van he is alleged to have raised his rifle into the aim, pointing it towards officers in a second Armed Offender Squad car, and was shot by an officer.
Mr Devoy said Police were working to establish how many shots had been fired and where.
"We recovered a number of spent .22 cal cartridges during a search of the van which indicate shots were fired from the vehicle.
"The owner of the van has told us they weren't there before it was taken," said Mr Devoy.
Anyone who may have heard shots being fired in the pursuit, or who witnessed the shooting who has not yet been spoken to by Police should contact the investigation team on 07 863 3700.
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