Armed stand-off sees new police unit deployed

Photo / NZ Herald

A new Hamilton police unit has come up with results only hours into their new role, following an armed stand-off in the city on Monday night.

Hamilton City deployment manager Inspector Karen Henrikson said officers were called to a Maeroa address after reports a man armed with a shotgun was threatening self-harm and that two young children were in the house.

"The area was cordoned off by the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad and police negotiators secured the man's surrender. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and referred on for psychiatric assessment," Ms Hendrikson said.

"Follow up queries were conducted by the city's new Crime Prevention Unit and a 'P' pipe and a compressor unit, believed to have been stolen, were found in the house as well as a plastic bin containing about $30,000 in cash."

Ms Henrikson said subsequent enquiries led police to another location where cannabis and a variety of property, believed to have been stolen, was recovered.

"Another two firearms were also located including a sawn-off shotgun and we're waiting for an opportunity to interview the man once his assessment has been completed.

Ms Henrikson said the CPU was formed to give police "an ability to inject staff into problem areas".

- NZHERALD STAFF