A man shot by police pointed a gun at officers and members of the public "multiple times" during a 13km chase through Auckland on Thursday, police say.
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Inspector Matt Srhoj provided an update on the incident that earlier caused armed police to swarm the central Auckland suburb of Hillsborough.
He says the incident started in the Ōtāhuhu area just before 8:30am, when a "suspicious vehicle" driving erratically and at speed failed to stop for officers and reversed into a police car.
Insp Srhoj said the car was spiked and an Eagle helicopter deployed to follow it to an Ōtāhuhu property, where the man could be seen exiting the car wielding a firearm.
He then got back into the vehicle before driving at speed to the Southern Motorway, where he went the wrong way down on an off-ramp before turning around and going with the traffic.
Moments later, he stopped on the side of the motorway where a car was waiting for him and got in. Police pursued the car, out of which Insp Srhoj the man repeatedly pointed a gun at officers and members of the public.
Spikes were again used in Ellerslie, but the car continued on until it reached a long driveway on Lilac Grove in Hillsborough. The driver exited the car and fled into some bush, while the passenger got out and pointed his gun at police.
"Police have fired at the man and he has continued to run into a nearby property, where he has again presented a firearm at chasing police. Police have subsequently shot the man," said Insp Srhoj.
St John says the man is now in a critical condition in Auckland City Hospital, and police say the other occupant of the vehicle is also there for treatment to minor injuries.
Nearly 20 police cars were at the scene on Lilac Gr. One of Auckland's top cops, Detective Inspector Scott Beard, was also present.
Police say an investigation is now underway to ascertain exactly what occurred, and they are now appealing for witnesses to Thursday morning's events to come forward - especially if they have video footage.
An online portal has been set for the public to upload images and videos, which can be accessed at https://boxing.nzpolice.org/.
Insp Srhoj says a firearm has been located inside the vehicle that was dumped on the Southern Motorway and at the Lilac Gr scene, and police expect charges to be laid.
"As is standard procedure in these cases, Police have notified the Independent Police Conduct Authority. Police are also ensuring there is welfare support in place for our staff involved in today's incident," Insp Srhoj said.
"This was an incredibly fast-moving situation where these men's reckless behaviour has put the safety of the public and police staff at risk. I would like to commend our staff for their courageous actions on the ground today in bringing this matter to a conclusion.
"Policing is a dynamic job and our staff come to work each and every day to help keep our communities safe. They have done that today while in some challenging circumstances."
Insp Srhoj reassures Hillsborough residents they are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident, and will be visible in the area over the coming days.
He said they will be speaking with residents in the area to seek information as well as offering reassurance.
