Police shooting justified - IPCA
Police were justified in shooting a man twice after he pulled an imitation pistol on officers, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found.
Wattie Kahu was shot in Whanganui on March 24, 2016, after a police officer tried to Taser him and Kahu pulled a pistol. He was shot once in the head and in the leg but survived.
The IPCA said the shooting was justified because the officer who fired the shots believed Kahu posed an immediate threat.
That morning, police swarmed on several residential blocks, following reports of suspicious activity and a suspected burglary.
They saw a man climbing over backyard fences and pointing what appeared to be a black pistol towards them. The man was identified as Kahu, who was wanted for arrest following a burglary.
Kahu had a violent criminal history and police had been advised he had access to a firearm and was prepared to use it.
One officer drew his Taser and chased Kahu down a driveway and into the street. Kahu turned and pointed his pistol at him.
That officer fired his Taser at Kahu but it did not connect, and at the same time, another officer used his Glock pistol to fire two shots at Kahu. Police then caught him and discovered he had been holding an imitation pistol.
The IPCA said police managed their response to the reports of suspicious activity well and reacted appropriately as the situation developed.
It also found the officer who fired the Taser was justified in doing so and police provided Kahu with appropriate care following the shooting.
Kahu was taken to hospital, but refused treatment, so was taken to the Whanganui Police Station.
He pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary, kidnapping, burglary, recklessly causing injury and two charges of using an imitation firearm to prevent arrest. In the High Court at Whanganui, on May 15, he was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.
Central District police commander Superintendent Sue Schwalger said while rare, such an incident was traumatic both for staff and the communities in which they occurred.
‘‘Our staff must act to keep themselves and our communities safe and that is exactly what they did in this instance.
‘‘I would like to acknowledge the actions of those staff involved in this response.’’