Shooting after stand-off ‘justified’
A Nelson police officer who shot an armed and wanted man following a stand-off was ‘‘justified’’ in his actions, an investigation has found.
Ford Hurinui was shot in Motueka on August 20, 2015, following a short car chase around the town.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority found the officer was justified in his actions to pursue the car and shoot Hurinui who had threatened him.
On August 4, 2015, a parole recall warrant was issued for Hurinui which his probation officer advised him of. The report found Hurinui was aware police were ‘‘actively searching for him’’ from the issue date.
It was about 3.15pm on August 20 when the officer was told Hurinui was spotted driving around Motueka in a white Mitsubishi.
He advised four other officers of the sighting, one of who later told the Authority he was ‘‘aware the Mitsubishi had links to a gang member who was known to carry firearms.
The officer said he was concerned what Hurinui would do to avoid going back to prison.
He decided to arm himself with a Glock pistol, before heading out.
The officer found Hurinui and the Mitsubishi. A pursuit began when Hurinui fled from the police.
It came to a stop in a dead end street where Hurinui got out of the vehicle and pulled a shotgun from the boot of the car, facing the officer.
Local officers, the Nelson and Blenheim Armed Offenders Squad, and Police negotiation team were sent to assist.
The officer negotiated with Hurinui for just under half an hour to put the shotgun down but he did not comply and lifted his weapon.
The officer believed Hurinui was going to shoot him, the report found, so he fired one shot which struck Hurinui in the chest.
The Authority’s chair Judge Sir David Carruthers found the officer believed Hurinui posed an immediate threat of grievous bodily harm or death.
‘‘The officer attempted to avoid a lethal outcome by giving Hurinui the opportunity to surrender,’’ he said.
‘‘He negotiated with Hurinui for 24 minutes and informed him numerous times he was armed and he should put the shotgun down.
‘‘When Hurinui raised the shotgun, the officer was lawfully justified in shooting Mr Hurinui.’’
The investigation was completed in July 2016 but the report was delayed until the related court proceedings in June 2017.