Two men will appear in the Christchurch District Court today on charges resulting from yesterday's incident in Buccleugh Street, Phillipstown, in which two officers were shot and injured and a police dog killed.
Superintendent Dave Cliff, Canterbury District Commander, said that a 31-year-old man is charged with possession of cannabis. A 34-year-old man is facing six charges. These include two counts of attempted murder, intentionally killing a police dog, cultivation of cannabis, possession of a pig knife, and using a firearm against a member of police.
Both men are set to appear in court this morning.
Police patrol dog handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, 50, is in Christchurch Hospital's intensive care unit after surgery last night to insert titanium plates in his face and jaw after he was shot. He's in the intensive care unit but was able to speak briefly on the telephone with Superintendent Cliff this morning. "Bruce is in a lot of pain, but he's talking and seems very chipper for what he's been through."
Constable Mitchel Alatalo, 39, is recovering from surgery for a bullet wound to his left thigh. Mitch is in a surgical ward and is "doing fine" this morning.
Superintendent Cliff said both men are expected to recover, although their rehabilitation will take some time.
"They're courageous officers who were simply doing a routine door knock as officers throughout the country do every day of the week. While the injuries are serious we're just massively relieved that the wounds are not life threatening."
Superintendent Cliff said a detailed crime scene examination by police and ESR staff will continue today at the house and property in Buccleugh Street. Three firearms including a .22, a .308 and a shotgun have so far been recovered from the property.
"These firearms and other items we've found so far will need to be forensically examined," he said. "Today's court appearances are not the end of our investigation. We still have significant work to do including speaking with all of the police staff who attended the scene after Bruce and Mitch were shot. Our two injured officers also need to be interviewed once their health allows it.
"From what I've learned so far it appears that Bruce and Mitch were simply following up inquiries with neighbours about an unrelated matter when they smelled cannabis and were met with a level of response which could not be predicted."
He said both officers assessed the situation, were wearing SRBA, had pepper spray on them and the presence of patrol dog Gage. These issues and other factors including the availability of tasers will be included in the investigation.
Superintendent Cliff said yesterday's events had stunned Canterbury staff who are all wishing both men a speedy recovery.
The loss of patrol dog Gage was also a major blow for the police dog section.
"Gage gave his life to save Bruce and Mitch. The dog's actions in trying to stop the attack on his master gave Bruce and Mitch precious time to escape.
"What happened yesterday has touched the hearts of many good people throughout our city, and New Zealand," Superintendent Cliff said. "I've received numerous calls and messages, and others have come to the station, Christchurch Hospital and most importantly to the families of both officers.
"In our job we get to experience a range of situations and emotions. The support for my staff in the last 24 hours has been wonderful and I thank people for that.
"When Commissioner Howard Broad and I were at the cordon scene last night, seven year old Connor Jordan and his mum approached us with some flowers and a card with a special message for police dog Gage. What a great gesture from a great wee kid. Bruce's family were really touched and I know that he and Mitch will be too."
Ends
Media contact:
Kaye Calder
Senior Media Adviser: District Liaison
Public Affairs - Canterbury Police DHQ
Mobile: 027 241 6305 or email: kaye.calder@police.govt.nz