Taser Trial Update #3 - 17 October 2006

New Zealand Police National News Release 9:00am 18 October 2006

In the period since 1 September 2006 (when the operational trial of tasers started) - 17 October 2006 there have been a total of 16 instances involving the Taser. Since the last update - 30 September 06 - there have only been three instances where the taser has been involved.

Sunday 1 October - at 3.30 am police were called to a sixteen floor apartment building in central Auckland where a male, in breach of a protection order, had assaulted his wife and was threatening to throw her off the balcony. A police officer encountered the male, with two other family members in the basement car park with no means to exit the area because of a security system.

The offender became aggressive and the others obstructive. The officer became concerned for his safety and laser painted the aggressor. The officer continued to communicate with the offender for several minutes before having to resort to discharging the taser and using OC spray. Eventually the offender was contained with assistance from one of the family members present. There were no injuries.

Tuesday 3 October - police were called to a domestic incident in Otara where a male was smashing up the house with a baseball bat. Attending officers were concerned for the safety of people in the house and entered the premises with the taser drawn and in laser painting mode. The offender was warned and complied with the officer's request.

Tuesday 3 October - police were called to a family violence incident in Auckland City where a male had threatened his sister and her partner with a machete. It was believed the offender was on "p". The family had fled to the Avondale police station. When police attended the offender was warned using laser painting and, with further voiced appeals, eventually complied with police requests.

ENDS

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