An investigation has found a cop made the right call in shooting a man who pulled out a weapon at a Hawke's Bay school
An investigation has found a cop made the right call in shooting a man who pulled out a weapon at a Hawke's Bay school
15 July 2020
Police were called to Flaxmere Primary School in December 2019, where a man was behaving in a threatening manner.
The school was put in lockdown, and as officers approached the man, he pulled an air pistol out of his shorts before running away.
A short chase followed and a police dog was released to capture the man.
But he pulled the pistol out again, prompting one of the officers to shoot, wounding him in the arm and abdomen.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the cop was justified in shooting the man as a defensive measure.
It says the officer genuinely believed the man could seriously hurt or kill his colleagues.
Police have acknowledged the findings, saying they're pleased officers were able to exercise good judgement and bring the matter to an end.
The man made a full recovery and is now in prison.
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