A man has been shot twice by police after pointing a gun at officers in Whanganui, at around 9am this morning.
He has been charged with burglary, kidnapping, and using a firearm against a law enforcement officer after appearing in front of a judge.
Police had initially begun searching for a wanted 49-year-old man at a property in Whanganui at 8:20am. The man was not at the address when police arrived but they received reports that a man who fit his description was at a nearby property.
A police dog handler began tracking, taking police through a number of properties as the man attempted to run from them.
Police believe the man threatened a woman at one of the houses he was moving through.
"A member of the public was involved," Inspector Tania Kura said. "It's been a traumatic event for her as well."
The man was then found at a house on Plymouth St by police when he produced a handgun. Police then shot at him twice.
Police say officers gave him first aid immediately and took him to hospital. It is believed he received injuries to his head and leg and is in a stable condition.
A second man was also arrested during the incident and police are investigating his connection to today’s events.
Police staff that were involved have been sent home for the day and have welfare support available to them.
"Really traumatic incident for our police staff. This isn't something you come into work to do. It's one of those incidents that affects everybody," Inspector Kura said.
Police will continue investigations into the incident throughout Easter weekend. They say the incident was isolated and there is no risk to the wider community.
The gunman has been remanded in custody to appear on March 30.
Newshub.
