By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission
A man has been shot in rural Auckland’s Āwhitu this morning after he allegedly drove into a police officer and forced another to dive out of the way.
It came as officers carried out a “pre-planned” search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into firearms offences.
As officers arrived outside the address just after 7am, a man inside a vehicle attempted to drive into them, Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said.
“One Police officer was struck by the vehicle, and a second was required to dive out of the way of the oncoming vehicle,” Gray said.
Officers were carrying out a “pre-planned” search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into firearms offences.
Man shot in rural Auckland’s Āwhitu allegedly drove into police officer0:20
Officers were carrying out a “pre-planned” search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into firearms offences.
The driver received gunshot injuries and was taken to Middlemore Hospital in an ambulance.
Inside the address, police found three others who were detained in relation to the warrant.
Gray said a fifth person escaped into nearby bush, with the Eagle helicopter looking for them.
“Despite extensive efforts from Eagle and the Police Dog Unit, this person has not yet been located, and Police will remain in the area this morning while our inquiries continue to locate them.
“At this stage, we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public in relation to this individual.”
Several investigations have now been launched, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and WorkSafe have also been notified.
“The investigation team is now undertaking a number of inquiries and will be speaking to several witnesses and members of the public,” Gray said.
He said no serious injuries were reported to any police officers in attendance.
“However, we are ensuring that our staff will have welfare and support in place for them after what has happened today.”