August 3 2015

Shooting victim named

The body of the man fatally shot by Police in Myers Park at about 7.45pm last night was removed from the scene in the early hours of this morning and will undergo a post-mortem examination today.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Richard Chambers said the man's family was notified overnight of the tragic death of 21 year-old Slovakian national, David Cerven.

"Mr Cerven arrived in New Zealand on March 20 on a 12 month working holiday visa.

Waitemata Police investigating a series of aggravated robberies of liquor stores became aware of who he was and had sufficient information to arrest him on Saturday, August 1.

"His image, name and an appeal for assistance to locate him was published on the Police website yesterday after a third aggravated robbery in a week was linked to him through evidence left at the East Coast Rd scene.

"Last night's tragedy unfolded after he called Police on 111 at 7.23pm saying he was in Myers Park and was wanted by Police in relation to offences.

Mr Cerven insisted on Police attending at the park, which staff duly did.

"When he was located he told the officers who engaged with him verbally from a distance that he was armed.

Consequently unarmed staff retreated and requested armed officers to attend.

The entire episode was recorded on CCTV cameras in the park and this footage will prove invaluable to the three investigations that are now underway."

Mr Chambers said the death of Mr Cerven was tragic in every sense and came as a reminder to all who engage with Police and who threaten to use firearms that such threats are treated seriously and responded to appropriately in order to ensure the safety of staff and members of the public.

"The officers involved in last night's shooting will receive support and appropriate advice as they face up to the challenges of a homicide investigation and the microscope of the IPCA and internal investigations that will be carried out thoroughly."

ENDS

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