Police shot and killed a person, the police minister said: Full support for front-line police officers

New Zealand Chinese Pioneer Network Ju’an Comprehensive Report Police Minister Mark Mitchel said he gave “full support” to frontline police officers who handle violent incidents such as Christchurch cases. The incident eventually led to police shooting of two people, one of whom died.

A woman was killed and seriously injured in the Bryndwr area on Wednesday night.

“This situation is extremely difficult and stressful for all the people involved,” Mitchell said this morning.

“The worst case for all the police officers is having to use that kind of force. So I express my condolences to them and their families, and of course I also express my sympathy for the injured man and the families of the victims.”

Canterbury District Commander Tony Hill introduced the incident yesterday: Police received a report that a man threatened to hurt himself and his partner with a knife, and the police immediately went to Clyde Rd’s residence. Upon arriving at the scene, they saw a woman running out of the house, followed by a man with a knife.

“Police believe the woman is facing an imminent risk of serious injury, so they shot the man and injured him.”

“The woman then picked up the knife and threatened the police.”

She moved forward and was then hit despite police requesting her to drop the knife.

“The police immediately provided medical assistance to the woman, but unfortunately, she died soon at the scene.”

Mitchell emphasized in the interview that he “never questioned the situation at the scene of the operation afterwards.”

“And, I fully support our frontline officers and it’s a pity that they have to deal with this kind of violence every day.”

When asked why we didn’t use the stun gun in this situation, Mitchell responded: “The police have a variety of tactical options. Like I said, I never guessed what happened afterwards. None of us was on the scene, and no one knew what happened. I knew we had a world-class police force and world-class training.”

He said the incident will be investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

“We should wait until the investigation results come out…it will be extremely nervous for those officers and their families. We are making sure they are properly supported.”

Hill said the injured man underwent surgery yesterday afternoon and is currently in critical but stable condition. The autopsy of the victim will be conducted in the “next days”.

“There will continue to be a lockdown line and a warning post around the house until the site investigation is completed.”

He also said officers involved in major incidents such as fatal shootings will receive “welfare and health support” and stressed: “This kind of incident is complex and multiple investigations are underway…the police are supporting the man and woman’s family, as well as our own personnel.”

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