AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A 24-year-old man has been arrested on Friday night and charged with murder after fatal shooting in West Auckland that killed a police officer, said the New Zealand police.
The police officer was shot dead and another one seriously injured in West Auckland during a routine vehicle check on Friday morning.
Police investigating the fatal shooting have charged a man with multiple serious offences including murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury.
The man will be appearing in the Waitakere District Court in West Auckland on Saturday.
It is confirmed by New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster that at around 10:30 a.m. local time Friday, a vehicle of interest was seen by police and a police unit attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was later located crashed on Reynella Drive in West Auckland.
A man got out armed with a long barreled firearm and shot both officers. One officer was killed, the other seriously injured. A member of the public has also been hit by the vehicle that the man got into and used to flee the scene.
Coster told a press conference that it is devastating for the organisation and the entire police family is in shock.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and the police are not able to rule out the possibility of further persons being charged.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister of Police Stuart Nash have issued a statement on the shooting.
"This is devastating news. Our police officers work hard every day to keep us and our communities safe," said Ardern.
"To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone's loved one and friend. My condolences go to them and to their Police whanau (Maori for family)," she said.
"I have spoken to the Commissioner of Police this morning to ensure that he and his senior commanders have all the resources they need to respond. Police will provide further updates as they are able to," said Minister of Police Nash.
The police said they will not be in a position to confirm the identity of the police officer until Saturday at the earliest.
In the history of New Zealand policing since 1890, 22 officers have been shot and killed on duty, most recently Senior Constable Len Snee in Napier in 2009. Since 2002, 15 officers have been wounded by firearms. Enditem
