The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that an officer in Motueka was justified in driving his patrol car into a man, although earlier, he should have communicated more appropriately over the Police radio.

At about 1.22pm on Saturday 30 March 2024, Police in Motueka received information from two sources that a man in a car had brandished a pistol at a member of the public. Two officers armed themselves, found the man’s car in a central Motueka carpark, and took up a position of observation, waiting for reinforcements.

Another officer, who had indicated over the Police radio that he would assist, failed to communicate appropriately of his arrival at the scene, and his intentions from there. As that officer drove into the carpark, the man approached him on foot. This startled the officer, who accelerated away. The man then got into his car and drove across the carpark, towards the two other officers.

The two officers approached the man and commanded him to surrender. After the man got out of his car and began walking towards them, one of the officers sprayed him with pepper spray, but the man turned back towards his car. The third officer then drove into scene and knocked the man to the ground with the front of his vehicle, an action which we consider was justified due to a belief that a firearm was involved. The speed at contact was less than 10 kilometres per hour and the man was not injured. Police found an air pistol in the man’s car.

Police notified the Authority due to the use of force, and we independently investigated. The man did not complain about the incident and although we endeavoured to speak to him, he could not be located. The man was later convicted and sentenced for presenting an object that appeared to be a firearm and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Public Report 

Officer justified in driving into a man at Motueka (PDF 336KB)