Schools and a hospital are in lockdown and residents have been told to stay away while police respond to a suspected hostage situation in Nelson. Video / Tim Cuff
A 56-year-old faces kidnapping charge after a 15-hour hostage situation ended safely overnight
Three other people were in the house with the man on Monday, with the last person freed around 2am
Police were called from as far as Canterbury and Wellington
Superintendent Tracey Thompson, Tasman’s district commander, said a man was taken into custody safely just before 2am, with the other person at the address safe and unhurt.
The 15-and-a-half hour hostage situation began at a house on Motueka St at 10.15am on Monday, with a family harm incident being reported to emergency services.
Four people were in the house at the time, with the surrounding area cordoned off as a precaution while police negotiated with a man inside.
Many residents have reportedly only just returned to their homes this morning after Motueka St and adjacent streets were closed.
Officers from the Armed Offenders’ Squad could be seen on Motueka St while several Nelson schools and nearby Nelson Hospital were put into lockdown for several hours.
Armed Offenders Squad officers at Motueka St on Monday. Photo / Tim Cuff
In an update shortly after 5pm, Thompson said two people had left the address since the morning.
“Both are reported to be uninjured, with one being transported to hospital by ambulance to be checked over.”
Thompson this morning said a “significant police resource” had been deployed to the incident, including police negotiation staff and officers from Canterbury and Wellington.
Nearby Nelson Hospital was put into lockdown while police negotiated with a man in a house on Motueka St on Monday. Photo / Tim Cuff
“We understand this was a distressing incident for those involved, and those victims are being offered ongoing support.”
She thanked the community, especially those in the surrounding areas “for their patience and cooperation throughout what was a very unsettling time”.
“I would also like to thank all our staff for their incredible dedication and hard work to ensuring this incident was resolved safely.”
A 56-year-old man was expected to face a kidnapping charge in Nelson District Court today, she said.
