Shooting in West Auckland leaves another officer injured
Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 19, 2020
Representatives of ethnic communities serving on the Police Commissioner’s Ethnic Advisory Board have mourned the death of a police officer this morning, expressing their solidarity with the New Zealand Police, its management and officers.
The incident
Two police officers who 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.
Police Commissioner Andy 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.
Commissioner Coster said that based on the information available thus far, this was a routine traffic stop and “is the type of work our officers do every day to keep the public safe.”
“At this stage, there is nothing to indicate that the job was going to be anything out of the ordinary. At around 1030 am, a police unit has performed a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive. The attending officers were shot and a member of the public has also been hit by the vehicle. The second officer and the member of the public are in hospital where they are being treated for their injuries. The member of the public has minor injuries and the officer has serious injuries,” he said.
Mr Coster are ongoing to locate the offender who has absconded.
Daily ordeal
“While efforts to locate the offender are ongoing staff in Tāmaki Makaurau will be armed. Our priority is to support our officers and to locate this alleged offender as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Coster said that the incident is indicative of real risks police officers face every day.
“Staff safety and welfare are our absolute priority and our whole organisation is in a state of shock after these horrific events,” he said.
Deputy Police Commissioner (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services) Wallace Haumaha said that when police officers leave home to go to work, they respond to every incident from the cradle to the grave.
“But they also expect to return home at the end of their day. Unfortunately one of our officers did not make it home today and another is in hospital with serious injuries,” he said.
The Police Commissioner’s Ethnic Advisory Board has expressed their condolences.
Sad Day for New Zealand
Richard Leung, National President of the New Zealand Chinese Association said, “This is a sad day for the New Zealand Police. We send our thoughts to them and the concerned families.”
Pancha Narayanan, President of the Wellington based Multicultural New Zealand said that the dangers faced by frontline people face on a daily basis often goes unrecognised until tragedy strikes.
“We express our sadness,” he said.
Ranjna Patel, Director of Tamaki Health and Chairperson of Gandhi Nivas said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, as well as the Ambulance staff and others involved.”
Paul Patel, President, New Zealand Indian Central Association said that the killing of the police officer was a devastating loss.
“We never hope to see tragedies such as this occur in New Zealand,” he said.
Anwar Ghani, Spokesperson for the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) said, “We stand together with the New Zealand Police both as stakeholders and partners to provided whatever support is needed.”
Source of endearment and respect
Former Race Relations Conciliator and current National Director of Salvation Army Gregory Fortuin said that communities, irrespective of their ethnicity stand by the Police in every moment of their work, especially at such times of tragedy.
“Our Police family will always be in our hearts and minds. There is no other place in the world where the relationship with communities are so special and strong. We strongly condemn this evil act and are sure the perpetrators will be brought to swift justice,” he said.
Indian Newslink Editor & General Manager Venkat Raman expressed the solidarity of all members of the Board.
“Our Police go out and perform duties so that all of us can remain and feel safe. Policing has become dangerous and our police officers are our cherished heroes. This is a terrible day not only for the New Zealand Police but to all of us,” he said.
Rosa Chow, Chairperson, Asian Council on Reducing Crime Charitable Trust said, “ We offer our sincere condolences and prayers”
Arif Saeid, President of Refugee Council of New Zealand, “ This is shocking. Our Thoughts and prayers are with the families and we wish a swift recovery for the injured”
Indian Newslink will update this evolving story from time to time.
