Statement to be attributed to Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham, NZ Police
At around 6.30pm last night, Police carried out a pre-planned search warrant at an industrial premises on Grasslands Road, Frankton.
The warrant was carried out by officers from the Armed Offenders Squad and the CIB and was in relation to an ongoing investigation into the supply of methamphetamine and firearms. Information gathered through the course of the investigation also suggested possible gang connections to the address.
Upon entry to the building, officers announced that they were armed police. Once inside the building the officers encountered a man, who upon seeing Police, reached for and picked up a long-barrelled firearm and actioned it in very close proximity.
Despite being called upon multiple times, he continued to present the firearm and was subsequently shot.
The premises were very cramped and officers took the man outside, where first aid was able to be administered to him until the ambulance service arrived.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
He is a 36 year-old Hamilton resident. His name will not be released at this stage as he is yet to be formally identified.
The scene was immediately shut down and has been guarded overnight, and as is standard, an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is underway.
A woman who was known to the deceased man was also in the premises, and was in another part of the building. She has given an initial statement to Police but will be spoken to further as the enquiry progresses.
The IPCA have also been advised.
The original investigation into the methamphetamine supply and firearms is also ongoing.
A full scene examination will get underway this morning and is expected to take several days.
ENDS
Media: Asst Commissioner will hold a press conference at 9.30am at the cordon in Grasslands Place. This will be the only interview opportunity today.
Beth Bates/NZ Police