File photo. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A man has died after fleeing from police west of Rotorua, at Putāruru.
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said police were called to the rural area after reports of gunshots abound 9pm on Tuesday.
When they arrived, police say the driver of a vehicle pointed a gun at them, and then fled.
The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed followed by a dog unit and the Police Eagle Helicopter.
Road spikes stopped the car before 11pm, however the man then died from injuries.
Anderson said officers did not fire any shots or use any force.