Police have revealed that they fired at least one shot into the car being driven by a 56-year-old Darfield man, who died shortly after.
Photo: RNZ
Police had been called to a Bangor Road property on Sunday where Donald Ineson had been threatening a family member and shooting at the door of the house.
On arrival, officers saw Mr Ineson getting into a vehicle and leaving the property. Two officers attempted to stop the vehicle using road spikes.
As the officers were laying the road spikes, Mr Ineson drove the vehicle toward one of the officers, hitting him and causing a serious leg injury, Superintendent John Price said.
Police then shot at him, he said.
Mr Ineson was found dead in his car on Bangor Rd a short time later.
Police said one or more shots was fired at the 56-year-old after he drove at officers, with the shots entering the back of the car.
They said preliminary findings of the post mortem indicated a small fragment from a bullet struck Mr Ineson in the back.
Police said the injured officer was recovering in hospital.
A former rugby friend of Mr Ineson described him as a good bloke that had been having a difficult time lately.
"He's been through a tough time and obviously needed some help," he said. "He lost his father, three or four months ago. Don was very close to his father."
Barry Matthews said Mr Ineson had a difficult year with his family. His mother was sick and he had an autistic child. Mr Ineson's father had also died recently.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.