A man has been seriously injured after being shot by police in Whanganui after allegedly assaulting officers and attacking a police dog on Tuesday morning.
Central District Commander Superintendent Scott Fraser said at around 3:55am officers patrolling with a police dog came across a man acting suspiciously outside an address on Talbot St in Whanganui East.
Fraser said the man has then fled from police, running to the rear of the property with officers in pursuit before turning and charging at them.
"He has allegedly refused to comply with officers attempting to take him into custody, and continued to assault them," Fraser said.
"A series of tactical options was used to assist, including sponge rounds, Taser, and OC spray, but these had no effect on the man and his behaviour kept escalating."
The man has then allegedly attacked and injured the police dog and continued to assault officers before he was shot by police.
"Having to use a firearm is the last thing any police officer wants to do, and in this instance our officers had no other option available," Fraser said.
The Armed Offenders Squad was called in to assist as a precautionary measure, both at the hospital and at the Talbot Street address.
Fraser confirmed the man is in a serious condition and undergoing surgery.
Locals in Whanganui East can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area on Tuesday as a scene examination continues.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified and a Critical Incident Investigation is underway, police said.
Fraser confirmed support is being offered to the man's family and to the officers involved.
