Photo: RNZ
Police officers were justified in shooting Taranaki man Kaoss Price in April 2022, an investigation has found.
The unarmed 22-year-old died on State Highway 3 between New Plymouth and Waitara. He had rammed a police car and attempted to steal cars from passers-by.
Detective Superintendent Uraia Vakaruru says a Critical Incident Investigation was undertaken by senior and experienced staff from outside the central district, and was overseen by a detective superintendent appointed by the assistant commissioner investigations.
"The investigation has determined that the force used by officers was legally justified and there is no criminal liability for the actions taken by officers that night," Vakaruru said.
The investigation findings have been communicated to a representative instructed to work on behalf of Price's whānau, Vakaruru said.
The fatal shooting of was also the subject of an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation, and a Coronial Inquiry.
A memorial to Kaoss Price at the spot on State Highway 3 where he attempted to escape police. Photo: NZME / Mike Scott
Kaoss Price's whānau said they were devastated that police said their killing of Price was justified and they remained convinced their much loved son, sibling, and father did not need to be killed.
Lawyers Christopher Stevenson and Julia Spelman, who were acting for Prices's whānau, said the police had not provided adequate information to support the decision not to prosecute in respect of their fatal shooting.
"Given the alarming rate of fatal police shootings, particularly of young Māori men, it is critical that more information is provided so that what happened can be properly understood.
"The excessive delay in coming to this decision, and now the failure to provide all relevant information, is agonising for whānau."
They were exploring their legal options.