Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 19, 2020
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Police Officer in West Auckland this morning.
Police Commissioner Andy Coster said that the man has been charged with multiple serious offences including murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving, causing injury.
“He will be appearing in the Waitakere District Court tomorrow (Saturday, June 20, 2020). The investigation into this incident is ongoing and Police are not able to rule out the possibility of further persons being charged,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the slain Police officer and we are continuing to ensure that they are provided with all possible support. The other injured Police officer and member of public remain in hospital in a serious but stable condition and we are also supporting them and their families,” Mr Coster said in a Statement issued in Auckland.
The tragedy
Two police officers stopped a vehicle in the West Auckland suburb of Massey at about 1030 am received gunshot injuries from a person in the vehicle.
One of the officers died on the spot and another has been hospitalised with serious injuries.
Another member of the public, hit by the fleeting car, sustained injuries, apparently not serious.
An armed police team along with investigating officers are on the scene, which has been cordoned off, with public movements within the area restricted.
Devastating incident
Mr Coster described the incident as ‘absolutely devasting and the worst thing to deal with.”
“We have lost a colleague and friend in our Police whānau. Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and loved ones, and with the other officer and member of the public who were injured in the same incident and their loved ones,” he said.
The deceased Police Officer has not been named.
