Quick response defuses Nelson street fight

Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Steve Greally said a potentially serious situation was averted yesterday afternoon thanks to quick reporting by members of the public and a rapid response from Police.

Police received numerous calls from Stoke residents about 4.45pm yesterday reporting a group of up to 10 men fighting in Karaka Street. Those reports indicated the people involved were armed with bats and axes.

Inspector Greally said all available Police resources immediately responded. When police arrived there was no one fighting but as a result of information received two men were arrested shortly afterwards.

A 25 year old man was arrested at his Ridgeway address and charged with possessing an offensive weapon, namely an axe. He was released on bail to appear in the Nelson District Court on 27 February.

A 23 year old man was located on Main Road Stoke. The man initially resisted arrest and then approached an armed Police Officer, saying "shoot me, shoot me".

The Officer holstered his firearm and then used pepper spray to bring the situation under control. The man, of no fixed abode, was charged with possessing a knife and resisting Police. He was remanded in custody to appear in the Nelson District Court today.

Inspector Greally said he was extremely pleased with the officer's decision making in that situation.

"The result of this incident is that we have diffused a potentially serious situation quickly and prevented injury to anyone. The Police response was quick and entirely appropriate and I hope it sends a very clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in our community."

Inspector Greally said neither of the men arrested were Karaka Street residents and there was no information to suggest the fracas was related to any organised group. There have been no reports of injury from the incident.

ENDS

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