Police shoot man during armed standoff in Massey, New Zealand

Police shot a 55-year-old man during an armed standoff at a home on Mānutewhau Road in Massey, West Auckland, on 21 October, after he fired a long-barrelled weapon toward officers, according to police. He was taken to hospital in a serious but non-life-threatening condition. A critical incident investigation has begun, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.

What police say happened on Mānutewhau Road

Officers went to Mānutewhau Road after reports of a man with a long-barrelled weapon, RNZ reported. They established a cordon around a home where they believed he was living. Waitematā District Commander Acting Superintendent Matt Laurenson said the man fired toward officers while the cordon was being set up. No officers were struck or injured.

RNZ reported that police said the man had allegedly pointed the weapon at a neighbour. Separately, a neighbour told the Herald they had seen him shooting at a person in the street. Another neighbour sheltered with her family in a bathroom as shots rang out, the Herald reported. The account of a street shooting comes from a neighbour.

Man in hospital as shooting investigation begins

The man was treated by Hato Hone St John staff and taken to hospital, the Herald reported. Both outlets said he was expected to undergo surgery. RNZ said he remained under police guard. Laurenson said using a firearm was the last thing officers wanted and that, in this instance, they had no other option available.

The Herald reported that police had begun a critical incident investigation, while both outlets said the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified. RNZ said charges had yet to be laid; the Herald quoted Laurenson as saying charges would be laid. Police also warned residents, particularly those on Mānutewhau Road, to expect an increased police presence while officers examined the scene.