As stated by Inspector Will Loughrin, acting Waikato District Commander:
A man is in Waikato Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot at by Police in Hamilton this morning.
Police responded to reports of a vehicle driving erratically on Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu just before 9am.
Initial information suggested the driver was wanted by Police in relation to prior serious incidents.
Police monitored the vehicle's movements, and deployed units to Ulster Street, where the vehicle was located trying to leave a carpark.
Officers stopped the vehicle from leaving, before the man presented a shotgun.
Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do.
An officer then fired two shots at the offender.
Officers provided immediate medical assistance, and St John transported the man to hospital, where he remains in a moderate condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
A second occupant of the vehicle was taken into custody at the scene.
Thankfully, no Police staff were injured in this incident.
Ulster Street remains closed from the Mill Street intersection. Traffic is being diverted down Richmond Street.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area, as road closures are expected to remain in place for several hours.
We want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident.
Police are conducting reassurance patrols around the area.
The community can also expect to see an increased Police presence in the coming days.
Support will be provided to the attending officers.
A critical incident investigation into the incident is under way and the incident will also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as is standard procedure for any incident involving a Police shooting.
