Graeme Burton is now in Police custody. He was located in bush near Lower Hutt after a victim of an assault alerted Police to his whereabouts.
Police had already issued three search warrants in the Lower Hutt area as intelligence led them closer to Burton. This enabled Police to act quickly when notified of his location. When located, Burton approached officers and presented a firearm. The officers shot Burton once in the leg, enabling his capture. The Police Complaints Authority is now working with the investigation team to investigate the events that took place leading up to the shooting of Mr Burton.
As a result of arriving in the area, Police located three people with gun related injuries, one of whom is unfortunately deceased. New Zealand Police extends its deepest sympathy to those who were involved in yesterday's shootings and victim support is in place.
New Zealand Police issued a statement last night (6 January) requesting people to contact them if friends or family had not returned from the eastern hills above Lower Hutt. New Zealand Police is pleased to report that at this stage it seems no other people are missing or injured.
Police investigations into the events that took place are continuing and anyone with further information should contact the Lower Hutt Police Station on 560 2600.
A press conference will be held at the Lower Hutt Police Station at 2pm today (7 January).
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Media contact: 027 2752612