Auckland (The NZ Today) – Police have now revealed what happened during Wednesday night’s armed standoff in Massey, confirming a 55-year-old man was shot by officers after allegedly firing at police and continuing to threaten them with a gun.
The man remains under police guard in hospital in a serious but non-life-threatening condition and is expected to undergo surgery.
The incident unfolded on Mānutewhau Road, near Moire Park, after emergency services were called at about 7.49pm on Wednesday following reports of a man with a long-barrelled firearm.
Police say the man had also allegedly pointed the weapon at a neighbour.
Officers established a cordon around the property where the man was believed to be staying. According to police, he then fired towards officers.
No police staff were hit or injured.
What followed was an hours-long attempt to bring the situation under control.
Police negotiators tried to communicate with the man, but Waitematā District Commander Acting Superintendent Matt Laurenson said he did not comply with officers’ instructions.
Police then used a number of less-lethal options, including sponge rounds and Tasers, but said these failed to stop the man as his behaviour continued to escalate.
At about 10.45pm, officers used a battering ram to enter the property.
Residents and reporters in the area heard a series of loud bangs and saw bright flashes during the final stages of the operation.
Police say the man was then shot by officers.
Laurenson said using a firearm was a last resort and that officers had reached a point where they had no other option available.
The police account adds significant detail to what residents witnessed during the night.
Neighbours had earlier told the NZ Herald they saw a man in the street with a firearm, with one resident saying he appeared to be aiming and shooting towards another person.
As the incident developed, nearby families were told to remain indoors and lock their doors. One woman reportedly moved her family into a bathroom, while another resident secured himself inside his home.
Armed police blocked Mānutewhau Road for several hours and the Police Eagle helicopter circled above the area while ambulance crews waited nearby.
Hato Hone St John initially reported transporting one person in a critical condition to Auckland City Hospital. Police have since clarified that the man is now considered to be in a serious but non-life-threatening condition.
By Thursday morning, police remained at the property and residents were being told to expect an ongoing police presence while a scene examination was carried out.
No charges had been laid at the time of the latest police update.
Because a police firearm was discharged and a person was injured, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified, as is standard procedure following serious police use-of-force incidents.
Police inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the confrontation are continuing.
Source: New Zealand Police and NZ Herald eyewitness reporting.
