A man is in Waikato Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by Police following an armed incident in Hamilton on Wednesday morning.
Police were first alerted just before 9am after receiving reports of a vehicle being driven erratically on Cambridge Road in Te Awamutu. Initial information indicated the driver was wanted by Police in relation to previous serious incidents.
Officers monitored the vehicle before deploying units to Ulster Street in Hamilton, where the vehicle was located as it attempted to leave a carpark. Police moved to stop the vehicle from exiting, at which point the man allegedly presented a shotgun.
According to acting Waikato District Commander Inspector Will Loughrin officers instructed the man to put the weapon down, but he did not comply. An officer then discharged two shots, hitting the man.
Police immediately provided medical assistance at the scene before St John transported the man to Waikato Hospital. He remains in a moderate condition and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
A second occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody at the scene. No Police staff were injured during the incident.
Police say there is no ongoing risk to public safety and reassurance patrols are being carried out in the area. An increased Police presence is also expected over the coming days.
A critical incident investigation is now under way. The incident will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).
Another quiet day in Hamilton
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