Police right to fire at gunman

Police acted appropriately when they fired at a Northland gunman who fatally shot two people, a review has found.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority released its findings into the police response when called to a property near Whangarei on July 26, 2017, where Quinn Patterson had gunned down three victims – two fatally.

Wendy Campbell-Rodgers and her daughter Natanya Campbell were shot when they went to inspect and install a smoke alarm at the Mt Tiger Rd address where Patterson lived. A male contractor was also shot by Patterson, but survived.

IPCA authority chairman Judge Colin Doherty said police responded swiftly and professionally in an extremely serious and tragic incident.

‘‘I am satisfied that the two officers who fired at Mr Patterson had no reasonable options to protect themselves and their colleagues,’’ he said.

‘‘Mr Patterson was shooting at them from an elevated position with a powerful semi-automatic firearm. Mr Patterson’s own actions precluded a peaceful resolution to this incident.’’

Although unable to say much as the incident remained a coronial inquiry, police acknowledged the IPCA’s findings.

‘‘Our officers encounter dangerous situations every day, however this incident in particular was incredibly fast moving and highly complex,’’ Detective Superintendent Dave Lynch said.

‘‘The officers maintained excellent control and command throughout this incident and their professionalism in such tragic circumstances is to be commended.’’

The IPCA report said police responded to information that Patterson had shot three people at his rented property at 10.50am.

The Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group immediately went to the property and found Campbell-Rodgers and Campbell dead. They then surrounded the property and attempted negotiations with Patterson but he refused to engage, the report said.

‘‘During this period, police became aware that he probably had access to military style semiautomatic firearms.’’

The report said police fired six tear gas canisters into the house at 3.29pm. A few minutes later, Patterson began firing a semiautomatic weapon through a glass door towards STG officers.

‘‘Believing that they and a nearby officer were about to be shot, two officers returned fire,’’ the report said.

‘‘Mr Patterson stopped shooting and immediately set fire to the house. The fire was intense and fast moving, and quickly consumed the building.’’

The report said Patterson’s body was found in the burnt remains of the house, along with 12 full or partial firearms, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.