New charges over police shootings

Mitchel Alatalo. Photo / Supplied

Two men charged after the shooting of two Christchurch police officers nine days ago now face extra charges.

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Constable Mitchel Alatalo were both wounded in the shooting during a routine inquiry in suburban Phillipstown on July 13.

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.

Christopher Graeme Smith, 34, was charged with attempted murder after the incident.

He will face additional charges of using a firearm against a police officer, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of cannabis, and will reappear in Christchurch District Court on July 28.

His brother, unemployed 31-year-old Steven Paul Smith, had been charged with possession of cannabis.

He will reappear in Christchurch District Court this afternoon on further firearms charges, and charges related to a cannabis growing operation found at the house he shared with his brother.

Police seized six firearms and are still investigating how the men came to possess the firearms.

Acting Detective Inspector David Long said the additional charges followed a scene examination at the house where the shooting took place and after speaking to witnesses.

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. The officers were then shot.

- NZPA