Man shot by police charged

The man at the centre of the West Auckland stabbing and shooting inquiry is likely to face a bedside court hearing.

The 31-year-old from Massey is in Auckland City Hospital in a "life-threatening but stable" condition.

Police revealed yesterday that one officer shot at the man as he brandished a knife in Henderson on Monday. Five shots were fired, and he was hit three times.

Police yesterday charged the man with assault. He has not been named, and police would not discuss whether drugs or a psychiatric illness might have led to the attack.

A spokeswoman said it was possible his injuries could mean a hearing being held at the hospital.

The violent rampage left Mt Albert driving instructor Kevan Bruce Newman, 65, dead and shop-owner Robert Norcross seriously injured with stab wounds to his back, stomach and right hand. Mr Norcross will undergo surgery at Middlemore Hospital to repair damaged tendons in his hand.

"Luckily he was wearing a jacket because it was a bit of a cold day, and that bore the brunt," said his father, Charlie Norcross. "The doctor said if he hadn't it could have been worse."

Police said Mr Newman and Mr Norcross were stabbed with a knife from Mr Norcross' shop.

Charlie Norcross said the man had gone into the shop in the morning and asked a couple of questions.

He returned four hours later and grabbed Robert Norcross in a "bear hug".

"Robert thought it was one of his mates coming in and winding him up a bit," his father said. "Then the next thing he's trying to stab him in the back.

"He grabbed another knife from out of the knife display, a more lethal knife. Then Robert grabbed a ladder, and the guy got him a couple of times. They finished up on the ground rolling around there."

Charlie Norcross thought his son was still in shock.

"He's saying, 'I'm good, I'm all right', but I think he'll have nightmares when he thinks about what happened."