Police confirm that a 23-year-old man has been found dead inside a house at Linton Military Camp after an armed incident earlier today.
Central District Police Manager of Operations Inspector Dave White said all attempts to contact the man, who barricaded himself inside the house with a firearm about 9.30am, had received no response.
Police had subsequently deployed teargas to try to resolve the situation peacefully, but without success. Police entered the house about 2pm but found him dead. No-one else was inside the house.
“We are saddened that this has ended in tragedy and our sympathies are with his family at this difficult time,” Mr White said.
Mr White said a no additional shots from the house had been heard apart from a single shot earlier today. Police had not fired any shots, he said. Chief of Staff of 1 (NZ) Brigade Major (MAJ) Rob Loftus said the NZ Defence Force had been deeply saddened at the news: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the soldier concerned at this difficult time.
“The NZ Army will be providing appropriate support to the family of the soldier throughout this difficult time.”
The NZ Defence Force confirmed the soldier was not deployed overseas during his time with the NZ Army. The matter would now be referred to the Coroner. Mr White acknowledged the Police and New Zealand Defence Force staff who had worked hard to try to resolve the tense and difficult situation peacefully.
“While we are grateful that no-one else has been hurt, we are deeply saddened that it has ended in this way,” Mr White said.
ENDS
Media contact: Ross Henderson, Police Media ph 027 703 7329 or Annie Coughlan ph 027 474 8005 For further information please contact Defence Communications Group on 021 487 980.