Corrections has confirmed a man shot dead by police at New Zealand's largest shopping centre was subject to a community sentence as twin investigations into the death continue today.
On Friday afternoon, police confirmed the killed man was Hapai Otene, 33, with Auckland City District Commander Sunny Patel confirming the post-mortem examination and formal identification processes had been completed today.
"I’m aware there is much discussion about the events that occurred, and it’s important that for all parties concerned that we allow due process to be carried out," he said.
What we've learned about the Sylvia Park gunman - Watch on TVNZ+
"There are several detailed investigations underway, and these will take time to reach their conclusion."
Police say they had no choice but to fire on the fleeing man as he headed into NZ’s largest shopping centre. (Source: 1News)
Police said they were called after Otene stole an air rifle from Gun City in Penrose before fleeing in a car and being confronted by officers near Sylvia Park, where he was shot.
In a statement, Corrections director communities, partnerships and pathways Simon Chaplin said the man was subject to a sentence of Community Detention and Supervision.
"Our thoughts are with those impacted by the incident at Sylvia Park mall yesterday afternoon," he said.
Chaplin said the man's community sentence included a 7pm-7am curfew, when electronic monitoring was used to verify he was at his home address. He was not under curfew at the middle of the day when the events occurred.
"Corrections is reviewing our involvement with this individual. It would not be appropriate for us to provide further information while this and the police reviews are ongoing," Chaplin said.
Patel last night confirmed a critical incident investigation and Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation had been launched.
Today, Patel said police had completed an overnight scene examination at the shopping centre with a post-mortem examination underway today.
"As part of completing the scene examination, Ngāti Paoa led a blessing at the scene last night," he said.
Police would continue to piece together the man's movements and what led to the events, as well as reviewing a large amount of CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses over the coming weeks.
Patel said there would also be an increased police presence around the shopping centre over the coming week to provide reassurance for the public.
"I understand the events that unfolded have shaken people that were there at the time, and the wider community," he said.
The mall, and surrounding businesses, were locked down for part of Thursday afternoon.
How the fatal incident unfolded
The incident was sparked after police were called about the theft of an air rifle from Gun City in Penrose around 2pm.
Owner David Tipple told 1News the man was being shown the gun. "[He] grabbed it and ran out the store with three staff in pursuit. One staff member got close but he succeeded in driving off in a car."
Patrol units and the police Eagle helicopter were deployed to the scene where a white Suzuki Swift was seen travelling near Sylvia Park.
Spikes were successfully deployed but the car continued towards Mount Wellington Highway, still being driven in an erratic manner and the man was then confronted by officers underneath an overpass as he approached the entrance of Sylvia Park, still carrying the air rifle. He was then shot by police.
Patel said it was not known whether the air rifle was loaded, or whether the man had any ammunition.
Patel was not aware of how many times the man was shot, whether there had been any attempt to detain him or whether he had aimed the weapon at anyone.
"That's something that will need to be uncovered when we carry out the full investigation, when we've actually spoken to the police officers involved," he said.
Councillor, witnesses describe chaos
Auckland City councillor Josephine Bartley said the shooting was unusual for Sylvia Park and raised concerns about what could have happened had the man had made it inside the mall.
"People from all over the city come here, and what concerns me is that the headlines could have been different today if he got in there."
Bartley, who is councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward, told 1News people who were inside the mall could be left traumatised by what happened.
"I'm seeing the comments on my Facebook post from people that were in the mall, and they’re scared and they’re processing what happened," she said.
She said people should be able to feel safe going about their daily lives without worrying about being caught up in a shooting.
"That's not the country that we all know."
A witness told 1News that a man believed to be carrying a pistol ran past him while being chased by around eight armed officers.
"And then they shot him – three shots. Bang."
The man was shot near the Foot Locker store, eyewitness George Heller said.
"I didn’t know what to do. I just went and saw people next to me and made sure they were OK."
A restaurant worker at the mall told 1News they heard multiple gunshots before a major police presence swarmed the mall carpark.
Another witness at H&M inside the mall said she was on the lower floor when she heard "three to four gunshots".
"Next thing I know, we’re being told: 'Go upstairs! Go upstairs! Go upstairs!'"
Police have notified the man's next of kin, visiting the family on Thursday night.
"We extend our condolences to them, and support will be made available to them as part of the investigation," Patel said.
Police say they will release further details once post-mortem and formal identification procedures are complete.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including new footage of an armed man running into Sylvia Park, a train derails in the UK, and a Brisbane supermarket fight caught on camera. (Source: 1News)
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