The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has released an updated statement regarding the shooting that took place in the Croydon Custody Centre on Friday.
Sgt Matt Ratana tragically died after he was shot without warning at point-blank range by a detainee who had been arrested for possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and possession of ammunition.
According to the IOPC, the suspect was handcuffed to the rear before being transported to Croydon Custody Suite in a police vehicle. It is not yet known whether or not the suspect was transported in a police car or in a caged police van.
Upon arrival at the custody suite, the detainee was escorted into the building by the arresting officers.
The suspect remained handcuffed to the rear and was seated in a holding area inside the custody suite area as he waited to be seen by the custody sergeant.
The suspect’s handcuffs remained in place while officers prepared to search him using a metal detector.
It is at the point that shots were fired, resulting in the fatal injuries to Sgt Ratana and critical injuries to the suspect.
A non-police issue firearm, which, according to the IOPC, appears to be a revolver has been recovered from the scene.
Specialist forensic investigators will carry out further ballistic work on the weapon which will include trying to trace its origins.
The IOPC has confirmed that, given the clear trauma suffered by those officers who were present during the incident, they have not yet provided their initial accounts. The work to obtain these will continue next week.
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It’s sad reading and mirrored at a lower level in New Zealand. We had a Constable shot and killed at a traffic stop a month back. Kia Kaha from a retired policeman. 💙🇳🇿