Major police operation underway after man shot by cops

An investigation is underway on the NSW coast after a man was shot by police, sparking Easter traffic chaos on a major freeway.

Traffic has piled up on a major freeway after police have shot a man in the shoulder on the NSW mid north coast after he allegedly drove his car at them.

Officers stopped a car travelling north on the Pacific Highway just before 10.30am Thursday but as they approached the vehicle the man allegedly drove at police.

“An officer discharged their firearm before the man drove from the scene, with police initiating a pursuit northbound on the Pacific Highway,” NSW Police said in a statement.

The man, 29, pulled over a short time later on Hogbin Drive and was arrested without incident.

Several roads are closed in the area. Picture: Frank Redward

He was taken to hospital in a stable condition, with non life-threatening injuries.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are not yet known.

Two crime scenes have been established and a critical incident team from Mid North Coast Police District have been called in to investigate.

The incident will be subject to an independent review, police said.

The shooting has sparked huge traffic delays with commuters warned buses would be delayed for at least an hour while cars have started banking up on the freeway as Easter holidaymakers set off.

Only one northbound lane on the Pacific Highway is open and Stadium Drive has been closed.

All southbound lanes remain open on the Pacific Highway, however Hogbin Drive remains closed southbound.

Police said traffic could be disrupted for some time.

COFFS HARBOUR: The Pacific Hwy is closed in both directions between Stadium Dr and Sawtell Rd due to a police operation. Use an alternative route or consider delaying your trip. pic.twitter.com/ncs53prA5G

— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) April 14, 2022