Taser brings down gunman

Judith Collins. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Police used a Taser stun gun on a man after he threatened an officer with a loaded air pistol.

The incident has strengthened Police Minister Judith Collins' support for more access to arms for frontline staff, and comes soon after new commissioner Peter Marshall's call for Tasers in every police car.

Police were called to an address in Ranui in West Auckland on Saturday night where a man was threatening to harm himself.

"When they arrived they were confronted by a male who was non-responsive to police requests," said Waitemata Inspector Paul Marshall.

"He presented what appeared to be a pistol. He was asked to put it down. He refused to do so and he was shot with a Taser."

It is understood the pistol was loaded and was pointed at one of the officers.

Mr Marshall said a man would appear in the Waitakere District Court on charges related to the incident.

"One of the great positives of the Taser ... it saved him or anyone else from being harmed. They managed to bring him under control."

Mr Marshall said it was an example of a Taser being used effectively.

Ms Collins said last night she did not support a general arming of police.

"However, it is important that police have easy access to firearms. If officers are in a tight spot and need firearms in a hurry, they must be able to get them," she said.

"Since Tasers were introduced in 2009, they have saved police officers or members of the public from serious injury dozens of times.

"Frontline police tell me the Taser has been extremely effective when officers are confronted with someone who is dangerous or volatile."

She said that in most cases, unholstering the Taser or painting an offender with the laser sight was enough to bring about a dramatic improvement in behaviour.

"The new police commissioner says he would like to see a Taser in every frontline police vehicle because Tasers make police safer.

He has my support for that. If that means firearms and lock boxes in more frontline vehicles, then that is something I am happy to give serious consideration to."

This month, the new commissioner said: "If any police officer needs a firearm at any time, day or night, for operational reasons, he or she shall have it."