18 Mar 2023

Police seek witness information after Henderson shooting

3:39 pm on 18 March 2023
Armed police in Henderson, West Auckland, after police shot and wounded a man following an attempted robbery, 17 March 2023.

A man who allegedly shot at police Friday in West Auckland later died in hospital. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting death of a man who allegedly fired at police multiple times on Friday in West Auckland following a failed robbery attempt.

Police are asking anyone that witnessed the event that unfolded yesterday between 10am and 10.50am who has information that could assist to contact them.

The as yet unnamed man, in his mid-20s, reportedly approached a cash in transit van at a petrol station on Henderson Valley Road at about 10am Friday and fired his weapon. Nobody was injured, and the man fled the scene.

He then returned a few minutes later and a firearm was pointed at a police officer. The man fled, firing at police as they pursued him through Henderson.

The suspect drove to the Henderson Police Station where he was fired upon after exiting his vehicle reportedly holding a firearm.

The man died later Friday in hospital of his injuries.

Police are requesting images, cell phone videos, dashcam footage, CCTV or any other multimedia relating to the incident. They can be uploaded directly using this link.

Police also encourage Henderson residents and business owners who have CCTV cameras in homes or businesses to register cameras on their website and upload relevant footage referencing case number 230317/3304.

Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is also urged to contact police by calling 105, or going online using 'Update Report' and referencing case number 230317/3304.

Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said Friday the offender was known to police and on active charges relating to drugs and violence. She said his behaviour was extremely unpredictable.

The chairperson of the Henderson-Massey local board said the west Auckland community is unsettled after the shooting in Henderson Valley yesterday.

Chris Carter said the community is anxious that violent incidents seem to be increasing in the area, particularly with the killing of 21-year-old Farzana Yaqubi in Massey, just months ago.