Follow up enquiries into an armed domestic incident in Hamilton overnight has prompted Police to warn of the dangers posed by illicit drugs and how they can escalate problems.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Waikato CIB said investigators had built up a clearer picture of events that led to a stand-off with armed Police in the suburb of Beerescourt.
"Police became aware of a woman allegedly being kidnapped at gunpoint on Tuesday and being held against her will at a Frankton address overnight.
"The woman was assisted in removing herself from her predicament by a friend who arrived at the address and she made contact with Police."
Officers following up on this information located the 42-year-old man at a Beerescourt address yesterday afternoon and cordoned off the area, commencing voice appeals for the man to give himself up.
"When this was unsuccessful members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad, accompanied by two Police dogs, entered the house and after a struggle the man was secured.
"As a result of his resistance the man suffered moderate injuries and as such was taken to Waikato Hospital where he currently remains under Police guard. Currently under arrest he has not yet been charged and any appearance in a court setting will be negotiated with Ministry of Justice staff."
Mr Keall said a subsequent search of the address led to the recovery of a firearm and a methamphetamine laboratory while another lab, chemicals and at least two firearms have been located at a business premises the man is linked to in Frankton.
"Forensic experts from ESR and an Auckland based Police Clandestine Laboratory Team are assisting local staff carry out examinations of various scenes and complete their enquiries.
"Last night's events highlights a number of issues for Police when dealing with domestic violence. In particular how the use of illegal drugs can escalate a matter into what could potentially end up as very tragic consequences, particularly as in last night's incident when you factor in firearms."
Mr Keall said Police and partner agencies take domestic violence seriously and their key message to anyone in such situations was for them to seek help.
"The longer domestic violence goes on the more violent it gets, in New Zealand one woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every five weeks while about 10 children are killed each year.
"There are a number of Government and Non-Government agencies dedicated to dealing with domestic violence, principally Womens' Refuge who maintain 24/7 crisis line on 0800 Refuge (0800 733843)."
Nationally last year, Women's Refuge assisted about 20,000 women and children, the key thing for victims to realise is that they are not alone.
"If you find yourself under immediate threat in the first instance phone Police on 111, if you're unable to run outside and head for where there are other people, scream for help so that your neighbors can hear you, take children with you and don't stop to get anything else."
Mr Keall said anyone aware of someone who is a victim of domestic violence should contact Police or if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
"Likewise if you have knowledge of illegal drug activity our officers want to hear from you, your call will be treated with confidence."
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