Soldier took own life in Armed Shooting following breaking up with his partner

Source:  Dribble NZ News

Updated: 9.49am Saturday 6th October

The 23 year old male Alexander Rope who took his life Friday after an armed stand-off in Palmerston North's Linton Military Camp had just split up from his partner. 

Early yesterday morning a Alexander Rope barricated himself in a house during an armed incident inside the camps housing area.

Police entered the property just after 2pm and found the body, but Inspector Dave White said that police did not fire any shots.

Cheif of staff Rob Loftus said the NZ Defence Force has been deeply saddended at the news.

The NZ Army will provide support for the family of the soldier throughout this time.

Roads were blocked for more then five hours but have re-opened shortly after 2.30pm

Mr Wehipeihana from the NZ Police said the soldier involved in the stand-off was picked up by a colleague last night from Palmerston North CBD.

The soldier was brought back to the house around 1am. Alcohol was believed to be involved.

Alex Rope had not made any demands but had refused to come out of the house.

An evacuation of the housing area began around 11.10am, with residents being seen to be ushered in to armoured vehicles to evacuate the cordon around 12.15pm.

A base commander from Linton camp and one other person had tried to talk with the soldier.

Armed Offenders Squad members were seen deploying in cars to the area around 10.30am. A St John ambulance was also on standby at the roadblock.

Earlier, cars had been turned away from turning in to the road off Tennent Drive.

More than eight police cars were at the road block, with more inside the cordon.

The NZ Herald has released the name of the soldier, soldier Alexander Rope, 23 who had one 1 year old boy and one five year old daughter.