Whanganui police shooting ruled justified by watchdog

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has ruled that New Zealand police officers were justified in shooting and seriously wounding a man during an arrest in Whanganui on December 12, 2023.

The incident began around 4 a.m. on Talbot Street when officers encountered three men near an SUV. After a struggle involving a police dog, a Taser, pepper spray, and a sponge round launcher, the man—who had outstanding warrants and a history of targeting police—pushed past officers, prompting an officer to fire a Glock pistol.

While the IPCA concluded the use of lethal force was justified because the officer believed the man posed a serious danger, the watchdog criticized the police for escalating the confrontation. The IPCA noted that the initial demand for the man to come out was an unnecessary catalyst. Additionally, the authority expressed concerns regarding the use of pepper spray on a 13-year-old boy during a struggle over a bystander's phone.