'I didn't want another Molenaar'

A man who bolted through a police cordon yesterday, set up after his friend had allegedly fired a shotgun, said he wanted to avoid a situation like last May's Napier siege.
John Lawrence said he was determined to talk his friend out of doing anything rash, after a gunshot was reported from a Hastings address and the armed offenders squad was called out.
``I didn't want another Molenaar,'' Mr Lawrence said. ``That was it. No one needs to get hurt here.''
The suspect, yet to be named by police, was a ``big man with a big heart'' but had been through a series of upsets, including health problems, losing his house and partner, as well as his motorcycle licence.
``Everything was taken away from him. If anyone went through all that he did in such a short period, you know, it's not just physical, it's mental as well.''
Police were called to Nikau St in St Leonards after reports that a man was making threats.
The gunshot, reported after noon sparked an AOS callout and a 43-year-old Napier man was taken into police custody shortly after 3.45pm.
Inspector Dean Clifford said no one was injured and police were investigating what charges the man would face.
Police cordoned off streets including the Stortford Lodge section of Heretaunga St, and parts of Pakowhai Rd and St Aubyn St from about 1pm. Residents were told to stay indoors.
Subway and KFC restaurants were evacuated.
Cassidy Smith tried to enter Nikau St but was turned away by police. She said her 18-month-old daughter was being babysat there but she did not fear for her safety. ``I know she's in good hands,'' she said.
Marty Hughes, of Stephen Hill Cars, said he heard what sounded like a gunshot but thought it was a car backfiring.
Dunkerley's Pharmacy staff were told to stay inside.
``One staff member heard a shot,'' he said. ``No one was particularly worried, the police seemed to have it in hand.''
Hinau St resident Hamish Anderson said he had taken his 15-month-old daughter for a walk when he heard the shot.
A crowd gathered at Stortford Lodge, among them family members who would not give any details as the three-hour situation played out. Several onlookers said they feared it was similar to when a gunman holed up in a house on Chaucer Rd, Napier, in May.
Mr Lawrence said he had arranged to meet the suspect that day to play tennis or have a cup of tea and, when he rang at 11am, discovered he ``had just lost the plot''.
``When I got him on the phone I said'Brother, what you are doing is dumb. You've got a lot of people who care for you'.
``I said'Will you allow me to come in', and he said ,'Yes, bring some milk, we'll have a cup of tea and we'll walk out together'.''
About 2pm, Mr Lawrence ran towards the back fence but was arrested and charged with obstruction and resisting arrest.
``I said,'Look mate, I'm here to help the situation', but they didn't want to listen to me and I ended up getting handcuffed.''
The suspect was led away about 1 1/2 hours later.