Molesworth St, Wellington

Male with immitation firearm arrested in central city

Wednesday, 7 May 2014 - 10:38pm

National Alerts

Police have arrested a man outside Parliament this evening following an incident in which he produced an imitation air gun while standing inside the grounds.

It followed a call from Parliament security at about 9.20 pm after one of their officers had approached the male, aged in his 30’s, who produced the gun and made comments that caused concern for his (the male’s) wellbeing.

No comments or threats were made to the security officer or in relation to Parliament itself.

Armed police were on scene quickly and apprehended the male without issue as he approached his car parked out on Molesworth Street. The firearm was located on him at the time.

Although there was no apparent threat to any other person Parliament was temporarily locked down by security staff as a precaution and officers monitored the male via CCTV, which proved of valuable assistance in keeping updates of his location and movements current for attending Police staff.

The male is due to be medically assessed and a decision then made on what charges, if any, will be laid.

ENDS

© Scoop Media