KEY POINTS:
A 19-year-old who led police on a high speed chase, allegedly shooting at them before being shot himself is to face 10 charges, among them attempted murder of a police officer.
The Bay of Plenty man has been in Waikato Hospital since January 21, recovering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
He was the passenger in a van, reported stolen, that allegedly led police on a 150km chase from Rotorua, through Tauranga and on to Waihi .
Police said he fired at them during the pursuit, hitting at least two of their vehicles.
When the van was stopped at Waihi by the Tauranga Armed Offenders Squad the man got out and allegedly raised a rifle at police who shot him.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Nicholls of Waikato CIB said the man was today able to speak with police from his hospital bed.
Following the interview he was arrested on 10 charges.
"Those charges include burglary, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, seven counts of using a firearm against police and one of attempted murder of a police officer," Mr Nicholls said.
It was initially unclear how many shots had been fired from the van and police had called for witnesses who had heard gunfire.
The van's driver, 18-year-old Yana Poata of Welcome Bay was last week charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary and failing to stop for police.
Police are awaiting medical advice on when the man will be well enough to appear before a judge.
- NZPA
