Statement from Superintendent Bill Searle, District Commander, Waitemata Police
A 24 year-old man will appear in the Waitakere District Court this afternoon charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer and other serious charges, after an incident in Te Atatu South early this morning.
At around 1.50am, three Police officers approached a group of three men who were walking on Te Atatu Road.
One of the men is alleged to have become aggressive, shouting at the officers that he had a gun and that he was going to kill them.
The man is then alleged to have pointed an item at the officers . The item resembled a shotgun inside a sock. Over the next few minutes the offender is alleged to have continued to point the gun at them, chasing one of the officers and trying unsuccessfully to steal the Police car.
The man eventually gave up and was arrested at the scene.
A Ruger 10/22 sawn off .22 calibre rifle was subsequently recovered at the scene with a .22 round in the chamber.
“This is a terrifying situation for anyone, including a Police officer, and the officers involved have been very brave, faced with extreme danger. They have managed to remain calm and remember their training” says Superintendent Bill Searle.
“What started as a routine arrest has quickly escalated and I am proud of the courage and professionalism that our officers have shown, in the most stressful and trying of situations.
“The officers involved have been offered welfare support and are now on rostered days off.
A 24 year-old man has been charged with the following;
-Using a firearm against a law enforcement officer
-Unlawful possession of a firearm
-Attempted unlawful taking
-Careless use of a motorvehicle
-Driving whilst disqualified
ENDS
Beth Bates/Waitemata Police
