Police have arrested a man following a frightening incident where Police officers were threatened with a firearm last night.
At approximately 9.35pm, two Otahuhu Police officers attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle on Atkinson Ave.
The driver exited the vehicle and ran up to the police car.
He has then allegedly presented a cut-down rifle at the Police officers and pulled the trigger twice.
Fortunately the firearm did not discharge as the safety catch was on.
Facing immediate danger, one of the police officers involved discharged their taser at the alleged offender, causing him to drop the firearm.
The male has attempted to get into the police vehicle and was tasered a second time.
The male resisted arrest and allegedly punched one of the police officers in the face twice.
The male has attempted to flee the scene and the second officer deployed their taser, which was effective in subduing the male who was eventually apprehended by the officers, while additional back-up staff also attended the scene.
Further examination found the firearm involved in the incident was loaded and cocked.
Inspector Naila Hassan, Area Commander for Counties Manukau West says this was an extremely distressing incident for the staff involved who have been provided with welfare. One of the officers received cuts and bruising but did not require medical treatment.
“Our community will be horrified by this alarming incident, which could have easily had a tragic outcome for our police officers.
“Our brave staff come to work every day to keep the public safe and the absolute last thing they deserve is to be threatened with a firearm.
“I want to praise the courageous actions of our staff involved, who acted quickly in a highly stressful situation to disarm the alleged offender and ensure not only their own safety, but the safety of our community,” says Inspector Hassan.
Deputy Commissioner Districts, John Tims, says the welfare of our people is our number one priority.
“Policing can be unpredictable and that is why it is so important that whenever we have an incident of this nature, we always review the circumstances to ensure that we have the best policy and practice in place in order to support our staff in the field.
“Our staff should not have to deal with these types of situations, but the reality of policing means our officers are put in dangerous situations every day. However our staff are well trained and have a number of tactical options available to them. We back our officers to make the appropriate decisions at the time according to the circumstances facing them,” says Deputy Commissioner Tims.
Police have arrested a 36-year-old male who is appearing in the Manukau District Court today on the following charges:
- Unlawful Takes Motor Vehicle
- Unlawful Possession of a Pistol
- Use Any Firearm Against Law Enforcement Officer x2
- Injures with Intent to Injure
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
Police are unable to rule out the possibility of further charges.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police