Police Shot At Man In Tense Wellington Stand-Off

A stand-off in Wellington’s suburb of Wadestown ended this afternoon after police used pepper spray, tasers, a police dog, and a firearm to subdue an armed man.

According to a report by RNZ, the incident unfolded around 12.35 pm on Anne Street when a man allegedly entered a property with a long, bladed weapon and threatened the occupants. He also attempted to steal a vehicle before retreating into the house when confronted by police.

Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said the man became increasingly violent despite repeated efforts to calm him. “Our staff used OC spray and tasers, but when the offender continued to escalate, a single shot was fired,” he said, RNZ reported.

As reported by RNZ, the Armed Offenders Squad and police negotiators were called in, and a police dog was used to help bring the man into custody about 2.20 pm. He was taken to the hospital with a dog bite and a minor shoulder wound believed to have been caused by the gunshot.

Parnell said it was a “fast-moving situation involving a volatile offender” and noted it was fortunate no officers or members of the public were injured. Victims of the initial burglary will receive support while charges against the man are being considered, RNZ reported.