A man has been shot dead by police in Waikato after a "protracted incident" on Thursday afternoon.
It happened after a driver allegedly fled from police and crashed his car on a rural road, before breaking into a stranger's home and threatening the occupants.
Officers first spotted a "person of interest" and tried to stop their vehicle on Ulster St in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton at about 12.30pm, a spokesperson said.
"The driver presented a firearm to Police and then fled, driving erratically and at high speed," they added.
The man stole another vehicle from a member of the public, and fled again.
Police laid road spikes, which didn't work, but a short time later the man crashed the vehicle on a rural road in Matamata-Piako District.
Newshub understands the crash happened in Manawarū, near Te Aroha.
The armed man then fled on foot and entered a private home. The occupants didn't know him.
Police then arrived to find the man threatening two others.
Officers shot the armed man and provided first aid, but he died from his wounds "a short time later", the spokesperson said.
Nobody else was injured.
Police will carry out scene examinations over the coming days, with an increased police presence.
"Today’s events will also have a huge impact on the officers involved, and we will be providing them with ongoing support."
A formal identification process is underway, but police are already giving the man's whānau support.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified.
