A Tongan family in New Zealand is devastated after their son was shot and killed by Auckland police.
Family identified David Lolie Jr Fononga as the 26-year-old man who died.
Investigators said Police shot Fononga outside the Henderson Police Station on Friday after he shot at police officers and tried to rob a cash-in-transit Armourguard van at the Henderson Gull petrol station
Fononga’s aunty, Toe’umu Tonga, told Kaniva News Fononga, who was also known to the family by the name Leka, was her nephew.
She said she was working with Police to confirm Fononga’s details.
“Oh how devastating to see your siblings lamenting while you are ready to leave look at us we couldn’t face it”, Toe’umu tributed her nephew in Tongan.
Toe’umu said she deeply felt for the deceased’s grandmother after she was made aware of the tragedy that killed her beloved grandson.
“Leka, where are you going to go to. This is a new day after she called your name and received no response”, Toe’umu said in Tongan, of the grandmother.
“Sleep beautifully handsome boy we deeply love you”.
“Rest in Love and Peace now our handsome nephew Leka”, a tribute from a relative said.
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said: “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time”.
Terror-stricken residents ducked for cover and they watched in disbelief as the gunman pointed the barrel of his firearm out his car window and targeted police as he drove around West Auckland, the NZ Herald report said.
One witness described a furious “flurry of gunfire” as the rampage was brought to an end outside the police station.
The rampage started with an attempted robbery at the Henderson Valley Rd Gull service station on Friday.
A number of police cars were riddled with pellets and one showed a blast hole near the driver’s wheel. At least one officer was injured taking evasive action to avoid being fired on.
Hassan said the shooting was an “inexcusable act of violence” where the man shot at police “at least seven” times and possibly members of the public.
Waitematā councillor Shane Henderson said the shooting had left the community on edge.
“Residents are really fearful, they’re anxious, and they want to be reassured they’re safe [after] the terrible shooting.
“At the same time, I think [people] are really thankful that the police acted swiftly and controlled the situation without either officers or the public being hurt in such a dangerous situation,” he said.
“We need to wrap our arms around our loved ones and hold them close. Remember – we’re all a community together and we will get through this.”
“It’s something we have to get a handle on.
“I’m giving [police] space at the moment, but I’ve reached out today and hopefully we’ll connect when they’re ready to talk about the more preventative measures.”
Henderson had not spoken to the gunman’s family.
“I think it’s appropriate to give people space. They have lost a loved one, like everyone. I think it would be wrong of me at this stage to bowl into a situation like that.”
Fononga was already known to police. He had charges relating to drugs and violence, Hassan said.
Police were reviewing the shootings, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified as well as WorkSafe.
They continued their appeal for images, videos and dashcam or security footage of events.
