Police incident at Albert Park: Man arrested after roads closed, buildings evacuated, people told to avoid area

A 52-year-old man is in custody after a major police incident in Auckland’s Albert Park which resulted in the evacuation of several central city buildings this afternoon.

The stalemate between the man in a wheelchair making “concerning comments” and police lasted about 90 minutes, with widespread disruption to Auckland’s CBD.

The man was eventually seen being carried out of Albert Park on Princes St by three officers shortly after 2pm today.

An officer in a hazmat suit with a gasmask over their face could be seen inspecting the area around the now empty wheelchair following the arrest.

Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, says the incident was able to be resolved safely.

“I would like to acknowledge the public’s patience while this incident unfolded, as several evacuations and cordons impacted many people going about their business at the time,” Tetzlaff said.

“Police continued to engage with the man and these measures were put in place so we could ensure the safety of all.

“This man was wanted to arrest by Police at the time. He remains in Police custody and charges still pending for this particular incident.”

Image 1 of 7: A man is arrested during a police incident in Auckland's Albert Park. Photo / Dean Purcell

An officer in a hazmat suit and a gas mask over their face could be seen inspecting the area around the now empty wheelchair following the arrest. Photo / Dean Purcell

A Herald reporter at the scene said police could be heard speaking into a megaphone.

“Come out,” police could be heard saying.

Police confirmed one person has been taken into custody and the incident has been safely resolved. A photo showed police carrying the man away from Albert Park.

“Charges are being considered. All cordons surrounding Albert Park have been lifted and there is no ongoing risk to the public,” police said.

A witness said officers drenched the man with water prior to his arrest. It is not clear whether some sort of hose or water cannon was used to do this.

As a precaution, Albert Park was evacuated and the streets immediately surrounding the park have been cordoned off.

A witness inside the University of Auckland grounds told the Herald the police appeared to be dealing with a man inside Albert Park.

Princes St, Kitchener St and Wellesley St were all affected.

Two university students told the Herald they are trapped in a university building with their car parked on Princes St.

“I don’t know what’s happening, I’m concerned I won’t be able to get back into work,” an Auckland Art gallery employee said.

A construction worker who was moved from his site to another construction site that was surrounded by fencing. “We got locked up in there,” he said.

A police spokesperson said buildings on Princes St and Bowen Lane have also been evacuated.

“There will be a visible police presence in the area while this matter is resolved, and the public is advised to stay away during this time.”

Update

The police continue to attend the incident in Albert Park, but advise there is no threat to the University.

However, staff and students should stay away from Albert Park until further notice.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

— University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau (@AucklandUni) January 24, 2024

Police have evacuated some central Auckland buildings and closed roads after a man in Albert Park made concerning comments. Photo / Dean Purcell

Due to an emergency services incident at Albert Park, Auckland CBD, bus routes 933, 931, OUT, 75, 101, 939 have been detoured:
• 931, 933, 939 inbound detours via Alten Road, Stanley St, Grafton Rd.
• Outer Link via Mayoral Dr, Wakefield St, Symonds St, then Grafton Rd. pic.twitter.com/eDFuK3WM5b

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) January 24, 2024

Witnesses have told the Herald there are “heaps of cops with their rifles out, and the helicopter was out earlier”. One said he saw about 30 police officers at the scene.

A number of bus services around central Auckland were impacted by the incident with detours through the central city in place.

The incident has meant a Northern Motorway off-ramp has also been closed on Wellesley St.

Motorists are being told to delay their journey or follow directions of emergency services in the area and expect delays.

SH1 NORTHERN MWY - 1:30PM
Due to a police issue Wellesley St Off-ramp LEFT TURN is closed, while the right hand turn remains open. Delay your journey or follow directions of emergency services in the area and expect delays. ^HJ More: https://t.co/n2iSK47udb pic.twitter.com/k6ajaV9e6d

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 24, 2024

Police have closed multiple roads around Albert Park while dealing with the unfolding incident. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Art Gallery is among the buildings evacuated after police instruction, a spokesman for Auckland Unlimited said.

The nearby University of Auckland told all its staff to avoid the area while the incident unfolded.

The police eagle helicopter was circling Auckland CBD while the incident is unfolding.

Police on motorbikes were doing laps around the art gallery on the footpath.

Ambulances and fire trucks have also been seen in the area.

Bystanders are walking around confused and traffic is jammed from both sides of Wellesley St.