Man dies after being shot by police in Papatoetoe yesterday

Police were called to a house in Avis Avenue about 5.40pm yesterday after a shot was fired through the window of a neighbouring home.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers said a member of the public called police and said they could see a man with a firearm.

Police, including Armed Offenders Squads and the Eagle helicopter, were deployed.

Just before 8.30pm, a man came out of the first house with a firearm and was shot by police.

St John staff immediately administered advanced First Aid before the man was transported to Middlemore Hospital for surgery, where he has died, Superintendent Rogers said.

She said police had made attempts to negotiate with the man in order resolve the matter safely.

"At about 8.24pm, the man came out of the house with a shotgun, police repeatedly asked him to drop the firearm and he failed to do so.

"He was then shot by police."

People living near the scene of the shooting say nothing like this has ever happened before in the neighbourhood.

One woman said she knew something serious was going on when she heard all the police cars coming down the street.

Evaloni was home with her children when it happened and was shocked when she came outside last night and discovered her house was inside the cordon.

She heard the police helicopter and sirens, but didn't hear any gunshots.

Poko wasn't home last night when it happened, but she said she got a call from her husband about it and he was quite shaken.

Formal identification still needs to take place but Rogers said the man's family and police staff were being supported.

"Serious incidents such as this are really upsetting for all involved.

"As we've said before this really is a worst-case scenario for our staff who unfortunately were put into a position last night where they have had to use lethal force to ensure not only their safety but the safety of the wider community.

"We now also have a family who have lost a loved one and so we will do what we can to ensure they are well supported along with Victim Support."

Earlier this morning, there was a significant police presence on the residential street, with officers stationed at each of the three cordons.

As well as half a dozen police cars, there was an incident command unit at the scene.

Residents were being escorted by officers to and from their properties.

A critical incident investigation has been launched and the IPCA notified.

 

Source: RNZ News