By 3 News online staff
Police hope today to speak to a man who is in hospital after they shot him during an incident in South Auckland on Saturday.
William Smith was shot in the legs after it is alleged he advanced on them – armed with a spade and a leaking gas cylinder.
Officers said it was their only option, after pepper spray and tasers has failed to subdue him.
Neighbours said smith had been drinking for hours and fighting with his partner.
Police defended actions following shooting
Police are defending their actions after a man in Clendon Park, Manurewa, was shot in the leg when he advanced on them during a domestic dispute on Saturday.
Police said on Sunday they were originally called to a reported family violence incident involving a man, a woman and two children.
Upon arrival they found the woman and children had gone but the man was in the garage, apparently under the influence of alcohol, and acting aggressively towards police.
Negotiations were attempted but the man armed himself with the garden spade and a leaking LPG gas cylinder.
Pepper spray and a taser had little impact on the man.
"The male continued to display aggression towards police and refused to comply with directions. He advanced upon police and was shot in his leg," a statement from police said.
Investigations have been launched by police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority but police praised the actions of staff who were present.
"Preliminary analysis of video footage confirms the above version of events and the courageous actions of the officers involved."
Neighbour Tita Fausia said police had warned the man they would fire upon him if he didn't give himself up.
A Middlemore Hospital spokeswoman said the victim remained in hospital on Sunday in a stable condition.
3 News