Hamilton Shooting: Armed Man Shot by Police in Hospital
- A wanted man armed with a shotgun is recovering in Waikato Hospital after being shot by police in Hamilton earlier today, February 4, 2026.
- According to Inspector Will Loughrin, initial information indicated the driver was wanted by police in connection with prior serious incidents.
- As officers moved to stop the vehicle, the man allegedly presented a shotgun.
Armed Standoff in Hamilton: Police Shoot Wanted Man
A wanted man armed with a shotgun is recovering in Waikato Hospital after being shot by police in Hamilton earlier today, . The incident unfolded after officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle driving erratically on Cambridge Road in Te Awamutu shortly before 9:00 a.m.
According to Inspector Will Loughrin, initial information indicated the driver was wanted by police in connection with prior serious incidents. Police located the vehicle attempting to leave a carpark on Ulster Street.
As officers moved to stop the vehicle, the man allegedly presented a shotgun. “Police appealed for the man to put the shotgun down, which he failed to do,” Loughrin stated. An officer subsequently fired two shots at the man.
Officers provided immediate medical assistance, and St John staff transported the man to hospital, where he remains in moderate condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
A 29-year-old woman who was also in the vehicle, and who was also wanted by police in relation to a serious incident, was uninjured and taken into custody at the scene.
Loughrin confirmed the man is a 40-year-old patched gang member “with prior violent convictions” and was wanted in relation to serious violent offending that occurred on January 29.
Police cordons were established on Ulster and Abbotsford streets in the Whitiora suburb of Hamilton. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area, anticipating road closures would remain in effect for several hours.
“We want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing public safety risk following this incident,” Loughrin said. Police are conducting reassurance patrols in the area, and an increased police presence is expected in the coming days.
Support is being provided to the officers involved in the shooting. A critical incident investigation is underway, and the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), standard procedure in any police shooting.