Man who threatened to West Coast shoot police officer arrested

The officer withdrew and the armed offenders squad was brought in, as well as the police negotiation team. Picture / File

A man who threatened to shoot a police officer on the West Coast has been arrested after a five-hour standoff this evening.

Armed police and a negotiating team have been at the house in Hector since about 4.30pm.

Police say a man at the house was arrested just before 10pm, without incident. He is now in custody.

The standoff began after police were called to a domestic violence incident at the house, a police spokeswoman said.

One police officer arrived, and the man at the address threatened to shoot the officer. However police said they had not seen a firearm.

The officer withdrew and the armed offenders squad was brought in, as well as the police negotiation team.

The female victim in the house managed to get to a safe area.

Area commander Inspector Mel Aitken said earlier: "We understand that no other person appears to be at the address or involved, so we don't believe the public is at immediate risk.

"We have the person contained and the situation is being monitored and we are working towards a peaceful resolution."

Where to get help:

If it is an emergency and you or someone you know is at risk, call 111.
• Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• Lifeline: (09) 522 2999
• Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450