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A mother grabbed her toddler and fled for safety as a flurry of shots rang out in the main street of a small Bay of Plenty town on Monday, it was revealed today.
Eight or more shots were fired from a van being pursued by police from the scene of a burglary in Rotorua through the towns of Katikati and Waihi.
The chase ended when the van crashed on the outskirts of Waihi and the armed man was shot in the torso by police, after they said he aimed a .22 calibre rifle at them.
The 19-year-old man later underwent emergency medical treatment at Waikato Hospital.
A hospital spokeswoman said that the shot man was this afternoon moved into high dependency unit (a level down from intensive care) but remained under police guard.
A woman in the vehicle, Yana Poata, 18, unemployed of Welcome Bay, Tauranga, later appeared Tauranga District Court accused of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary and failing to stop for police. She was remanded in custody until tomorrow.
Police initially believed the gunman fired only one shot but details have now emerged that eight or more shots may have been fired during the 100km chase.
The streets of both Katikati and Waihi towns were packed with people as the gunman leaned out the window and shot at police.
A woman, who worked in Seddon Street, Waihi, said many people rushed outside when they heard the police sirens.
"There was a woman across the road with a young toddler. As soon as she realised what was going on she grabbed the toddler and protected her," she said.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said the town was popular with tourists and it was not a good story for them to take back home.
Another businessman at the Waihi Mitre 10 hardware outlet ordered his staff inside for their safety.
They had also gone outside when they heard the sirens. The shop was not far from where the gunman was shot.
Inspector Peter Devoy said it was only after police appealed for witnesses that they learnt how many shots had been fired in the busy main streets of Katikati and Waihi.
He said during the chase it was not possible for police to hear shots.
Members of the public had told police they had heard shooting as the van and police cars went by and spent shells were found in the rear of the van.
"Hearing shots was difficult but we certainly have police officers noting he was leaning out of the vehicle and presenting a firearm at following police vehicles on a number of occasions.
He said it was lucky no one else was shot.
"Firearms being discharged in the main streets of small town New Zealand during the afternoon creates a very dangerous situation."
Mr Devoy said it may be next week before the man could be interviewed.
- NZPA
