The site of a standoff in Stratford overnight. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
A 14-hour standoff between police and a suspect holed-up in a house in Stratford has ended peacefully.
No one was hurt in the ordeal, despite at least three shots being fired by the alleged offender.
It began at 10.30pm Monday, when a vehicle failed to stop for police.
"Officers did not pursue the vehicle but maintained observations on it and it was spiked in Stratford," Central District Commander Superintendent Scott Fraser said .
On getting out of the vehicle, the suspect fired at police, prompting the callout of the Armed Offenders Squad.
The man was tracked to a house on Achilles Street at 12.45am, where police set up cordons and began negotiations.
"A firearm was discharged from the address towards police a further two times," said Fraser.
Achilles Street in Stratford. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
The man stayed inside all morning, not emerging until 2.40pm on Tuesday.
"This was a lengthy and demanding incident, and our staff worked quickly this morning to contain and manage the situation, while minimising any risk to the public," said Fraser.
Police staff from across the district, and outside of it, were called in to manage the situation.
Two schools went into lockdown for a time earlier on Tuesday.
What charges the man will face were yet to be decided.
"Firing shots towards police is a reckless act that shows absolutely no concern for the safety of anyone involved," said Fraser.
One of the man's friends told RNZ she was happy it ended without anyone getting hurt.
