10 Nov 2024

Man dies after police interaction at Auckland City Mission site in central Auckland: Cops begin probe, IPCA notified

9:39 pm on 10 November 2024

By Raphael Franks and Nazahryth Bernard of NZ Herald

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Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

Police are investigating after a man died following an interaction with police at an Auckland City Mission site.

Acting Superintendent Sunny Patel told the Herald investigations are under way after the man fell and struck his head following the interaction with police on 4 November.

Auckland City Mission's Jacqui Dillon confirmed to the Herald the man who died was known to them and used their services.

The man was at an Auckland City Mission food distribution and support centre on Boston Rd, Grafton, prior to the incident, Dillon said.

Police also confirmed the incident occured after they were called to a commercial property on Boston Rd.

However, Dillon said the mission had no further details about the incident.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified. Police have also launched a critical incident investigation to figure out the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Herald has also been told by an anonymous source the man who died was homeless.

Patel said police were called to a commercial property on Boston Rd, Grafton after a report a man had "become agitated towards staff at the address and paramedics".

"Police officers arrived and instructed the man to leave," Patel said.

"Police are still working to establish exactly what has taken place. However, following this, the man has fallen and suffered a serious head injury."

The man was taken to hospital where he had surgery, Patel said.

The man has since died in hospital.

"Our sympathies are with the man's family and friends at this time, and we are providing support to the man's family," Patel said.

This story was originally published by The New Zealand Herald.

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