The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that police were justified in fatally shooting a Waitara man when he pointed a firearm at an officer in May last year.
Taranaki Area Commander Belinda Dewar said the outcome of the incident was one nobody wanted. Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
Alan Rowe had armed himself following a domestic incident and stolen a vehicle.
Police found the 54-year-old parked next to the Waitara River a short time later and saw a length of pipe extending from the exhaust into the car. The engine was running.
The IPCA's said in a statement that, concerned the Rowe needed medical help, police took up positions around the car and alerted him to their presence.
"He was seen to sit upright in the driver's cabin, point a gun at his head and pull the trigger. It did not fire. He then pointed his weapon at an officer standing next to the driver's door, causing officers to fire their weapons at him in response, the statement said.
Rowe was fatally injured and died at the scene.
Authority chairperson Judge Colin Doherty said once Rowe pointed the firearm at an officer, police were justified in shooting him.
"Despite his gun failing to fire, it was reasonable for the officers to believe that his weapon was loaded and capable of shooting one or more of them."
Taranaki Area Commander Belinda Dewar said the IPCA decision found that the officers had taken the appropriate tactical option by arming themselves and approaching the vehicle.
"This was a challenging and high-stress situation and the death of this man was an outcome no-one wanted," Dewar said.
Dewar said after shooting Rowe the officers had immediately provided first aid and called for further medical assistance.