Non-fatal police shooting of man justified: IPCA

The non-fatal shooting of a man police arrested in Palmerston North was justified, an Independent Police Conduct Authority report says.

The authority investigated police’s use of force against a man officers arrested in Milson on July 26, 2021.

Officers had been searching for the Taranaki man for months due to a parole recall warrant for accessing methamphetamine in breach of his release conditions, a police spokesperson said.

The 31-year-old had been involved in multiple serious incidents while on parole, including four fleeing driving incidents, ramming of police cars, as well as burglary and theft of cars using a gun.

Police spotted the man driving through Palmerston North and followed him to a property on Carlisle St in Milson, sparking the arrest operation.

Because of concerns about the man’s access to firearms, the armed offenders squad and public safety teams set up cordons around the area and closed down Milson School

Officers called to the man to come out of the address via the garage with his hands up, but he ran across the yard and jumped the fence, escaping arrest.

A chase ensued, with the dog squad joining in the hunt and one dog being released by its handler.

Two officers then found the man, with one firing a shot at the man from his Glock, which missed, and the other firing two sponge rounds from his launcher.

One hit the man, but did little to stop him.

Shortly after, police found the man and he was taken into custody.

The report also stated police were justified in searching for four people during the operation under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.

Police acknowledged the findings of the report.

Relieving Central District commander, acting Superintendent Cliff Brown, said the incident was “extremely fast paced” with an offender who was motivated to evade arrest.

“The IPCA found the force used against the man by the two officers was justified,” Brown said.

“They had to make split second decisions to ensure the safety of the wider community, themselves, and their colleagues.”