A man who was shot by police at a busy Auckland intersection this morning was threatening a member of the public with a firearm when police took action.
The man is in a serious but stable condition after he was shot by police at the intersection of the Great South Road and the south eastern highway shortly before 11am today.
The scene where the fleeing driver crashed the BMW. Photo: RNZ / Kate Gregan
Police said the man who was shot had earlier stolen a car, and then left another motorist with injuries after stealing their vehicle.
The busy intersection has closed for an investigation.
At a media conference this afternoon, police assistant commissioner Richard Chambers said the incident began at about 10.45am when police were notified of a vehicle stolen in Penrose, Auckland.
Watch the media conference here:
He said the Eagle helicopter tracked the "poor, dangerous" driving before the vehicle crashed in Ellerslie.
When police arrived the driver was holding a firearm to the head of a member of the public, Chambers said.
Police fired a shot but the offender stole the car of the bystander, who was injured when the vehicle rolled over their foot. Police then provided them with first aid.
Police pursued the fleeing driver, who soon crashed into another car.
"As police approached ... again we saw the offender holding a firearm to the head of a member of the public."
Police moved forward and fired a shot that injured the offender. The member of the public escaped.
Officers then gave first aid to the offender, who was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
"My staff have done a remarkable job today and I acknowledge the courage they showed," Chambers said.
"Police staff make every effort to make sure members of the public are safe, we are safe. At a busy place like an intersection that is a challenge but my staff have done very well today."
He said police were aware of some footage circulating.
"Can I ask that the public please respects the investigation that is ongoing and provide police with that footage ... rather than share it on social media."
A man who was driving a work van at the time said he saw a car driving past him, going the wrong way.
At least 10 police cars were at the scene.
St John Ambulance said they were called just before 11am and took the person with serious injuries to Auckland Hospital and another with moderate injuries to Middlemore Hospital.
Auckland Transport initially said it was a crash just after 11am, but then 15 minutes later said it was a police issue at the crash site, and now a police investigation.