Police say the man who yesterday was shot by police in Invercargill had earlier rammed his car into a police car when fleeing the scene of an alleged family harm incident.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
An alleged family harm incident at a rural west Invercargill address was reported to police at about 9.15am Saturday.
Southern District Commander superintendent Paul Basham said when police arrived, neither the victim or alleged offender were there and police began to attempt to locate them.
"When police arrived at the alleged offender's address about 11:25am, he got in a vehicle and rammed a police car before fleeing the scene," Basham said.
The man and his car were found a short time later stopped on State Highway 1 near Dacre, Basham said.
"The male was in possession of a modified firearm, and confronted motorists.
"He approached other vehicles, breaking the window of one and attempting to enter another.
"He then presented a knife and came toward police, and was shot by an officer shortly before midday."
Medical attention was immediately given to the man and he was taken by ambulance to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
No police officers or members of the public were injured, Basham said.
The woman involved in the initial incident was later confirmed to be safe and well, he said.
"The members of the public involved in the incident have been offered welfare support.
"The police officer who discharged their weapon is being supported, and additional support has been provided to their family and the other officers who attended."
The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified, and investigation into the incident is underway by police.