A Palmerston North police chase that involved a man being fired at - and hit with a sponge round, has been found to be justified

A parole recall warrant was issued for the man In 2021.

He had continued to access methamphetamine, and had four times fled police in a vehicle.

Later that year, he escaped the Armed Offenders Squad on foot from a Palmerston North house.

Officers who tracked him down, fired at him with a sponge round launcher and a Glock pistol.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority says the use of force was justified.