Police fired a shot during the apprehension of a 46-year-old man who was "highly motivated to avoid arrest" in Dunedin yesterday.
The man had been sought over a series of offences committed in the Otago coastal area over recent days.
Officers involved in the operation to locate the man saw him at a commercial premises on Kaikorai Valley Rd at approximately 6pm and attempted to apprehend him.
Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie said the offender drove his vehicle towards the patrol car and officers in his efforts to avoid arrest.
In response, police used a range of tactical options including firing a shot from a police pistol.
"No other shots were fired in the incident, and nobody was injured," he said.
The offender fled the area in the vehicle, which was later found in nearby Brockville.
Road spikes were successfully deployed, and the offender fled on foot into bush.
He was captured soon after by a police dog team in the Fraser's Gully area.
"Police want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident," Guthrie said.
"This was a very dynamic incident involving an offender who was highly motivated to avoid arrest and police staff are commended for their efforts in safely resolving this incident."
Guthrie said a critical incident investigation has started, and the incident would be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as is standard procedure for any matter involving the firing of a police gun.
SHARE ME