Henderson Police say the deployment of a taser to control an aggressive offender during yesterday's disturbance in the Henderson CBD, was fully justified.
Inspector Scott WEBB says that at about 1330 hours on Thursday 22 March 2007, numerous calls were received from the public that a group of males and females were fighting on a main public thoroughfare in Henderson.
"The males were in possession of knives, screwdrivers and metal bars."
"Some of those involved in the altercation were known to Police."
"There was also major disruption to vehicle traffic in Railside Avenue."
"A senior Henderson Police Officer came across the incident while walking back to the station on foot."
"He identified the seriousness of the situation and quickly intervened. In the process he arrested a male offender."
"The offender resisted and struggled violently with the officer."
"Police assistance then arrived on the scene and after a continued struggle in which the offender was still unable to be brought under control the taser was deployed."
"The taser was not fired but was used as a direct contact application."
"This was applied to the offender's leg and had the desired effect. The male immediately stopped his aggressive behaviour."
"Police are immensely proud of the professional and mature manner in which the officer has handled a most volatile situation."
"Earlier, when one of the female offenders got into a car and drove off from the scene, he stood in front of her vehicle and put his hand up to clearly identify to her to stop."
"Instead of stopping, this person drove straight at the officer, and he had to take very evasive action to avoid being hit."
"Police enquiries into this incident are continuing."
"A female has yet to be arrested on driving related charges, while the male who was subject to the taser deployment is facing weapons related charges."
"The District's Police Management is also proud of the manner in which all the officers involved have carried out their duties during this incident. The senior officer in particular, who was first on the scene, has been put at risk."
"The staff gave consideration to all the options but they were dealing with an offender who was behaving aggressively."
"Police have been praised by members of the general public for the nature and manner in which they conducted themselves during this incident. No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident," Inspector Webb said.
Ends:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308 - Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz