A 36-year-old man will remain in custody following a tense police standoff in central Nelson, during which he allegedly threatened to blow up buildings within a 100-metre radius.
According to a report by RNZ, the man, who has an interim name suppression, appeared in Nelson District Court this afternoon charged with threatening to kill members of the public and police, threatening grievous bodily harm, and intending to cause a significant disruption to civilian activities. He is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon, including a compound bow and crossbow, with intent to commit violence.
Police were alerted yesterday, around 3:30 pm to a report of a person making threats inside a private residence on Hardy Street East. Officers, including the Armed Offenders Squad and the police negotiation team, were called to the scene. Safety cordons were established, and some residents were evacuated to a local school as a precaution.
Cordons were lifted later that night, allowing residents to return home safely.
During the court appearance, the man, supported by several people in the public gallery, said, “I love you all,” as he was led from the dock, RNZ reported.
He was remanded in custody by consent and is scheduled to appear again on November 18, when he is expected to enter pleas.