Courage of shot officers celebrated

Photo / Geoff Sloan

Two Christchurch police officers shot when a routine operation erupted into violence last week were honoured today at a ceremony attended by more than 100 colleagues and their families.

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Constable Mitchel Alatalo were both wounded in the shooting in suburban Phillipstown last Tuesday.

Mr Lamb, a police dog handler, whose dog Gage was shot dead in the incident, was shot in the face. Mr Alatalo was shot in the thigh.

Canterbury district commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said the ceremony at Christchurch central police station today was a chance to reflect on the courage of the officers and to acknowledge the contributions staff had made during and since the shooting.

"We've shed a few tears, but also drawn a lot of strength during the last few days. While we're sad for Gage, we're just so relieved that our officers are alive and still with us."

Mr Lamb underwent surgery to have titanium plates inserted in his face and jaw. He and Mr Alatalo were released from Christchurch Hospital last week.

"It's too soon to know when Bruce and Mitch will be back at work but they're making an amazing recovery," Mr Cliff said.

He thanked the public for the hundreds of messages, calls and emails of support that police continued to receive.

Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope attended the short ceremony, which coincided with Mr Alatalo's 31st birthday.

The shooting happened after police called to a Buccleugh Street address could not find the person they were looking for, and made inquiries at a neighbouring house where they smelt cannabis.

The routine check turned violent after one man was arrested and a second man ran inside the house.

Mr Lamb was shot in the face, while Mr Alatalo attempted to escape through a window and was shot through the leg.

Attempted murder charges were laid against 34-year-old Christopher Graeme Smith. A man from the same address, 31-year-old unemployed Steven Paul Smith, was charged with possession of cannabis.

Both have been remanded in custody until July 28.

- NZPA