Detective Senior Sergeant Keall said more details of what lead to the stand-off with armed police in the suburban road are emerging.
"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 the police.''
Following the phone call, police went to a Beerescourt house and cordoned off the street before trying to coax out the man by negotiating over loud speakers.
Negotiations failed, and police had to gas the man before forcing entry into the basement with two police dogs.
The man was secured and arrested after a struggle, he said.
Detective Sergeant Carl Moon said the female victim had been interviewed by police and was being supported by Women's Refuge and Victim Support.
Alexandra Dewes, who lives next door to where the man was holed up, waited at home with her six-year-old son while policemen dealt with the incident.
The afternoon's events were "alarming'' and she had no idea a meth lab was hidden in the house, she said.
"That's a big shock to hear there was a methamphetamine lab in there.''
The house was two stories, and the bottom floor of the house was private and enclosed with brick walls everywhere, she said.
She said the two owners of the house were "just ordinary people'', but their son who had been living with them on and off, had a criminal background.
Yesterday's events shows the need for domestic violence victims to seek help before the situation spirals out of control, police said.
"In particular, 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,'' said Mr Keall.
Forensic experts and an Auckland-based police clandestine laboratory team are helping local police carry out examinations on the Frankton and Beerescourt scenes.
