“I saw him shooting at a guy, aiming his gun; he was just angry at everything.”
One neighbour ushered her family into a bathroom as the shots rang out, while another locked himself behind his ranch slider.
Police have confirmed officers shot a man after he fired a long-barrelled weapon at officers. Photo / Dean Purcell
Emergency services were called to reports of a man with a firearm at a property near Moire Park just before 9pm.
The Waitematā District Commander, Acting Superintendent Matt Laurenson, said units were dispatched, and police set up a cordon around the property believed to be occupied by the alleged offender.
“While cordons were established, the man has discharged a long-barrelled weapon towards police officers. However, no police staff were struck or suffered any injuries.”
The man refused to comply with the police negotiation team and officers trying to take him into custody.
Police used sponge rounds and a Taser, but these had no effect, and the man’s behaviour continued to escalate, Laurenson said.
“The Armed Offenders Squad moved forward at 10.49pm and entered the address, and the man was subsequently shot by police.”
The man was arrested and treated by Hato Hone St John staff, who took him to hospital.
A critical incident investigation following last night’s standoff and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified. Photo / Dean Purcell
He was in a serious but not life-threatening condition, and would have surgery today, Laurenson said.
“Having to use a firearm is the last thing any police officer wants to do, and in this instance our officers had no other option available.
“I acknowledge the staff involved in last night’s incident who have worked in difficult circumstances to ensure this matter could be resolved.
“The man remains under police guard, and charges will be laid over this incident.”
A person at the scene told the Herald that several loud bangs rang out about 11pm, setting off dogs in the neighbourhood.
Video footage showed an ambulance racing down the street shortly afterwards.
Police said last night that the situation was “confined to the property” and urged people to avoid the area.
An ambulance was sent to the address late last night. Photo / Dean Purcell
One person reported being told by an officer to stay inside and lock their door.
Other residents said they could hear sirens and the police Eagle helicopter circling.
This morning, a neighbour said he had recently heard yelling coming from the property at the centre of the standoff.
“Every week or so, or every month or so, we’d hear a lot of yelling.”
He said it was “ongoing” and was becoming more frequent.
Police outside the Massey townhouse where an armed man was shot after a standoff last night. Photo / Hannah Filmer
He was not sure whether the shot man lived at the property.
The townhouse remained cordoned off, with a police officer stationed outside.
Laurenson said a critical incident investigation had begun, as standard procedure.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
“Support is being offered to the man’s family as well as our staff involved last night.”
Residents in Massey, particularly those in Mānutewhau Rd, could expect an increased police presence today, he added.