"Police release name of man from Freemans Bay incident"

Please attribute to Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Auckland City District Commander.

Police are now able to name the man who died three days after he was arrested on Sunday for violently assaulting an elderly man in Freemans Bay.

He was Alo Ngata, a 29-year-old man from Tonga.

The investigation into his death and the circumstances surrounding the assault of the 76-year-old man are continuing after two police officers were forced to discharge their tasers during the incident.

“Our officers face challenging situations every day and must make extremely quick decisions while considering the safety of themselves and members of the public.

These incidents are always extremely testing for Police.

They are fast-moving, unpredictable and high pressure situations that require quick judgements. No officer comes to work wanting to get into these situations,” said Superintendent Karyn Malthus.

“I have no doubt that if our officers had not intervened with the necessary tactical options they would have incurred serious injury themselves,” she said.

“Any death is a tragedy and we are working with, and supporting Mr Ngata’s family, including his parents and wider family who are grieving their loss,” she continued.

The elderly victim is still recovering in hospital and is reported to be doing well.

There are several investigations underway to establish the circumstances of the assault and Mr Ngata’s death which includes a Police investigation which will be referred to the Coroner and an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation.

Worksafe NZ has also been notified.

ENDS

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