Police have shot an armed offender who fled officers before attempting to carjack vehicles in west Auckland's Henderson.
A video from the scene on Lincoln Rd showed a lengthy line of stand-still traffic as armed police officers patrolled the road. A police officer could be seen holding a gun and blocking off the motorway.
"At around 3:19pm, a police unit sighted a vehicle of interest on Te Atatū Rd on the Te Atatū Peninsula," Supt Shanan Gray said.
"It was signalled to stop but failed to do so and a decision was made to pursue the vehicle west towards the Lincoln Rd off-ramp.
"On the Lincoln Rd overbridge, the driver has got out of the vehicle with a firearm and has unsuccessfully tried to steal two other vehicles."
During this period, one of the vehicles hit the offender, Gray said.
"Armed police were quickly on scene, approaching the man and challenging him."
The man then ran towards a truck and climbed into the passenger side, resulting in the driver exiting out the driver-side door, Gray said.
"At this point in the incident, police have fired shots at the offender resulting in him surrendering."
Officers provided first aid and the man has since been taken to hospital with gun shot wounds, which police described as "not thought to be life threatening".
"This was an alarming incident for motorists going about their afternoon commute and one which unfolded quickly," Gray said.
Charges are being considered for the offender's actions and the Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified, he said.
A scene examination will be carried out and motorists can expect delays on Thursday evening while this work is carried out.
