The non-fatal shooting of a man by Wiltshire Police during a robbery in Swindon in June last year was necessary and proportionate, an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has found.
Armed officers attended as it had been reported a man was carrying a handgun.
Police encountered the 59 year-old man at nearby Shaw Ridge Road, and on their arrival the man got into the driver’s seat of a stolen lorry and turned the engine on.
After witnessing the man had a weapon, which turned out to be an air pistol, police approached at gunpoint.
The man then shot one of the officers in the face and another officer fired a single shot which struck the man in the thigh.
Officers placed the man on the ground and immediately began providing first aid before paramedics arrived and took him to hospital.
After a mandatory referral from Wiltshire Police, the IOPC sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures to begin enquiries.
IOPC regional director, Derrick Campbell, said: “Armed officers were called to reports of a man carrying a handgun and were faced with a frightening and dynamic situation.
“Having investigated thoroughly, we are satisfied that the force used to detain the man including the firearm discharge was necessary and proportionate. After the man failed to comply with verbal commands, the officers had initially deployed the less-lethal option of Taser, but these steps were unsuccessful in subduing him.
“The man’s actions caused armed officers to have a genuine and legitimate fear for their own and others’ safety. After the man was shot, officers swiftly began first aid to help preserve his life. The officers involved dealt with an armed confrontation in a highly professional manner.”
The final report concludes that officers had followed relevant guidance and policies in terms of the armed deployment and their actions and decision-making, and no learning from the investigation was identified.
The 59 year-old man has since pleaded guilty to a range of offences including robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and causing actual bodily harm to an officer.
