Response to IPCA report on non-fatal Police shooting in Nelson

Police accepts the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority that a Police officer was justified in shooting a man who threatened officers with what was believed to be a firearm.

The incident took place at a property in Nelson in the early hours of the 7th of July 2017, after Police attempted to stop a speeding driver.

He fled, abandoned his vehicle and tried to hide in a basement nearby.

The man threatened to shoot Police and presented an object disguised to look like a firearm.

Police fired a single shot that hit the man’s left elbow.

The Authority found the shooting was justified and a Police dog hander was justified in deploying his dog.

“I fully support the actions of the officers involved in this difficult, dynamic situation,” says Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Mat Arnold-Kelly.

“We train, equip and empower our staff to make split second decisions to protect themselves and the community, in this instance the officers involved showed great courage.”

The Authority notes the decision making of the officers involved was sound, they demonstrated great courage and a strong commitment to protecting the public at large.

The 35-year-old man was charged with driving with excess blood alcohol, being unlawfully in an enclosed yard, presenting an object that resembled a firearm and two counts of threatening to kill.

He appeared in the Nelson District Court on the 9th of July and was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment.

ENDS

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