A wanted man who was armed with a shotgun is in Waikato Hospital after being shot by police in Hamilton this morning.
Officers responded to reports of an allegedly stolen vehicle driving erratically on Cambridge Rd in Te Awamutu just before 9am, Inspector Will Loughrin said.
"Initial information suggested the driver was wanted by police in relation to prior serious incidents."
Police units were sent to Ulster St, where the vehicle was seen trying to leave a carpark.
As officers stopped the vehicle from leaving, the man presented a shotgun.
"Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do," Loughrin said.
"An officer then fired two shots at the offender."
The man, who police say was wanted in relation to prior serious incidents, had allegedly pointed a shotgun at police. (Source: 1News)
Officers provided immediate medical assistance before St John staff took the man to hospital, where he remained in a moderate condition.
"His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening," Loughrin said.
A 29-year-old woman in the vehicle, who was also wanted in relation to a serious incident, was uninjured and taken into custody at the scene.
"Thankfully, no police staff were injured in this incident."
Loughrin later confirmed in a press conference the man was "wanted in relation to serious violent offending" which took place on January 29.
He described the shot man as a 40-year-old patched gang member "with prior violent convictions".
Members of the public were advised to avoid the area as road closures were expected to remain in place for several hours.
"We want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident," he said.
Police were carrying out reassurance patrols around the area and people could expect an increased police presence in the coming days.
Support would be provided to the attending officers.
A critical incident investigation into the incident was underway.
The incident would also be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as was standard procedure for any incident involving a police shooting.
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