Hamilton police shooting: ‘Violent gang member’ arrested after armed standoff

A 40-year-old gang member allegedly aimed a firearm at police during an armed standoff in a Hamilton carpark. Video / Malisha Kumar

A 40-year-old gang member allegedly aimed a firearm at police during an armed standoff in a Hamilton carpark.

The man was taken to Waikato Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a shootout with officers just before 9am.

Acting Waikato district commander Inspector Will Loughrin said the incident unfolded after police responded to reports of a vehicle driven erratically on Cambridge Rd, Te Awamutu.

“That vehicle was a vehicle of interest to police in relation to a violent incident days earlier,” Loughrin said in a press conference.

He said police staff located the vehicle. As they approached, the driver allegedly attempted to drive away from the carpark.

Loughrin said officers engaged with the driver and he allegedly presented a firearm.

Two police officers fired two rounds at the offender, and he was taken into custody.

A man was taken to hospital after he was shot outside the Ulster St superette in the Hamilton suburb of Whitiora. Photo / Facebook

Loughrin said the 40-year-old man had prior violent convictions.

“He was wanted in relation to serious violent offences, and he’s also a patched gang member,” he said.

The alleged offences were on January 29 in Hamilton City, according to Loughrin.

A 29-year-old female - connected to the January 29 incident - was also taken into custody today.

Loughrin believed the vehicle the man was in today was stolen.

Police blocked streets in central Hamilton this morning after shooting a gang member wanted for violent offending.

“I’m really proud of our police officers. They were confronted with a violent gang member that presented a firearm at them.

“This wasn’t probably the day that they were expecting, but they’re highly trained officers, and I’m, yeah, really proud of what they did today,” Loughrin said.

Cordons were along Ulster and Abbotsford Sts in Whitiora.

Loughrin earlier confirmed a critical investigation had begun, with the shooting also to be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), as was standard procedure.

A motelier near the scene was alerted to the ‘crazy’ commotion by contractors working onsite, who heard gunshots.

A nearby resident also heard gunfire, and police told him to stay home, while others could be seen being escorted by police to their houses.