A man has been fatally shot after being involved in a confrontation with police in Waikato today.
Prior to the confrontation, the man allegedly fled from officers during a vehicle stop on Ulster St in Hamilton City around 12.30pm, police said.
The driver, who had been identified as a person of interest, aimed a firearm at police before fleeing the scene "erratically and at speed".
The man then took a vehicle belonging to a member of the public and "continued to flee".
Police pursued the vehicle and used road spikes, but it was unsuccessful.
The driver crashed the vehicle on a rural road in the Matamata-Piako area a short time later.
He then fled on foot before entering a nearby home.
When police arrived, he was seen threatening a parent and child unknown to the man.
The man was shot and critically injured by police.
Officers immediately provided medical attention, however he died a short time later.
No members of the public or police staff were injured in the incident.
"There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days as police conduct multiple scene examinations and work to establish a full picture of what has occurred," police said.
"Police will also undertake a formal identification process in relation to the deceased and his family will be provided with support."
The parent and child, as well as other members of the public who were directly affected, are being supported by Victim Support and police.
"Today’s events will also have a huge impact on the officers involved, and we will be providing them with ongoing support," police said.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority will be notified and a critical incident investigation is now underway.
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