As stated by Inspector Matt Srhoj, Relieving Counties Manukau District Commander:
Police acknowledge the findings of an IPCA report, which found Police actions were justified during an arrest in Counties Manukau in December 2022.
In the morning of 10 December 2022, Police responded to reports of two males threatening a person with a firearm in Māngere, before taking property from them, and fleeing the area in a stolen vehicle.
The driver of the stolen vehicle crashed the car and both men fled on foot to a nearby property, where they hid in the roof.
The Armed Offenders Squad attended the address and voice appealed for both men to surrender. While they did not initially respond, one of the males did exit the roof via a ladder a short time later.
Upon climbing down the ladder, the man was taken into a nearby room and restrained and arrested by Police.
During the arrest, the male’s arm was fractured while being handcuffed, and he was later taken to hospital for treatment.
The arresting officer later acknowledged the injury to the male, however said this was unintentional.
Police note the Authority agrees the use of force during the arrest was reasonable and justified.
We acknowledge this outcome.
