Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was shot by police during a stand-off near Invercargill at the weekend.
Southern district commander Superintendent Paul Basham said police were called to an alleged family harm incident near Dacre, 24km northeast of Invercargill, about 9.15am on Saturday.
However, when police arrived at the rural property, neither the offender nor the victim was present.
Police then went to the alleged offender’s nearby address, about 11.25am, Supt Basham said.
When police arrived, the man got in a vehicle and rammed a police car before fleeing.
The vehicle was located a short time later, stopped on State Highway 1 near Dacre.
"The male was in possession of a modified firearm, and confronted motorists.
"He approached other vehicles, breaking the window of one and attempting to enter another.
"He then presented a knife and came toward police, and was shot by an officer shortly before midday."
Officers immediately provided medical attention and the man was transported to Southland Hospital by ambulance, where he had surgery.
He remained in a serious but stable condition, Supt Basham said.
On Monday afternoon police said they were investigating and wanted to hear from anyone who saw the incident unfold.
"Specifically we'd like to speak with the occupants of two vehicles: a black people mover, which was travelling south towards Invercargill and was stopped near the incident as it occurred; a black Ford Ranger travelling north which stopped behind a black Mazda and would have witnessed the incident."
Anyone in either vehicle was asked to contact police.
A person living near the incident, who declined to be named, said she was shocked by the incident.
"It’s quite close to home.
"It’s usually so quiet here. You don’t expect this.
"Everybody knows who owns the farms around here, so everybody knows each other.
"I suppose this happens more in town [Invercargill], but I guess we’re not that far from town."
Another person, who declined to be named, was surprised by the constant stream of police cars and police dogs visiting the area for most of the day.
The road was closed for much of Saturday and reopened late yesterday.
Supt Basham said the woman involved in the incident was safe and well, and confirmed no officers or members of the public were injured.
"The members of the public involved in the incident have been offered welfare support.
"The police officer who discharged their weapon is being supported, and additional support has been provided to their family and the other officers who attended."
The Independent Police Conduct Authority would be notified, and police had begun an investigation, he said.
"At this early stage in the investigation, police are not in a position to release further information."
