Police accept findings of IPCA report on fatal shooting

Waikato Police District acknowledges the findings of an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into the fatal Police shooting of a man in Thames in May 2015.

Vaughan William John Te Moananui was fatally shot by two members of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) when he ignored multiple appeals for him to drop his weapon.

Mr Moananui kept walking towards the officers with his rifle raised.

The IPCA has found that both officers were justified, by law and the under Police policy, in shooting the 33-year-old man.

It says other tactical options, such as CS spray, were not appropriate because their use would require officers to get close to the offender.

It adds that Mr Te Moananui was carrying a loaded, raised firearm and had threatened to fire his weapon if he saw Police.

“This was a tragic situation for Mr Te Moananui and his family and a stressful time for everyone involved,” says Waikato Police District Commander Bruce Bird.

“Police were confronted with a very difficult situation.

The officers did not want to shoot Mr Te Moananui but, given the risk he posed, they were left with no other option.

Sadly, the incident ended with the loss of his life and we extend our sympathies to his family.

“I accept the findings of today’s report, which concluded that the Police response was appropriate during this dynamic and dangerous event,” says Mr Bird.

Police also note that the Authority states that Police provided all reasonable medical assistance to Mr Te Moananui before paramedics took over and transported him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

ENDS

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