default-output-block.skip-main
Regional | Police

Investigations continue into police shooting of Thames man

Police say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to a Thames man being shot on Saturday who died shortly after in Thames Hospital.

Police have named the man as 33 year old Vaughan William John Te Moananui.

According to Police they were initially called to an address in Kopu in response to a call for assistance about midday Saturday.

The event resulted in the Police Negotiation team and Police Armed Offenders Squad being deployed. After being redeployed to another address, the Armed Offenders squad found Mr Te Moananui.

Police say he was called upon to surrender, however he presented a firearm at Police, at which point he was shot.

While CPR was administered at the scene he was pronounced dead at Thames Hospital a short time later.

An initial media release regarding this incident mistakenly described the man as being ‘in custody.’

According to the police statement a number of investigators from across the Waikato have been called across to Thames to assist with the scene examination, area enquiries and the investigation.

Four investigations into this matter will run concurrently, including investigations commenced by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Coroner.

District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird says the incident was tragic for all involved, "Our sympathies again go out to Mr Te Moananui's family at this difficult time.”

The post mortem has been completed in Auckland and inquiries are focussing on the activities of Mr Te Moananui and the preceding weeks.

Tags:
Police