AOS call out in Whangarei

At 11.20am today (18/04/10) Police were alerted to an incident involving a firearm at an address in the suburb of Onerahi, Whangarei.

A female from the address stated that her male partner had threatened to shoot himself and that he had a loaded rifle. She had made her way to safety at a neighbours address leaving the male as the sole occupant.

AOS and the Police Negotiation Team were deployed at the incident, and a cordon was set up around Raurimu Avenue.

Ambulance and the Fire Service were present at the incident only as a precaution and were not required.

After a prolonged period Police were finally able to speak to the male inside the address and he gave himself up peacefully to AOS at approximately 3.00pm.

A 44 year old male was taken into custody, it is believed he is suffering from a mental illness and will be assessed by Mental Health Services.

Located inside the address was an air rifle and ammunition.

No charges have been laid at this stage and a decision will be made once Police have conducted further enquiries.