The man, who was in a wheelchair, was taken into police custody after a stand-off that caused widespread disruption in the central city.
Video / Ben Dickens / Dean Purcell
A 52-year-old man is in custody after a major police incident in Auckland’s Albert Park which resulted in the evacuation of several central city buildings this afternoon.
The stalemate between the man in a wheelchair making “concerning comments” and police lasted about 90 minutes, with widespread disruption to Auckland’s CBD.
The man was eventually seen being carried out of Albert Park on Princes St by three officers shortly after 2pm today.
An officer in a hazmat suit with a gasmask over their face could be seen inspecting the area around the now empty wheelchair following the arrest.
Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, says the incident was able to be resolved safely.
“I would like to acknowledge the public’s patience while this incident unfolded, as several evacuations and cordons impacted many people going about their business at the time,” Tetzlaff said.
“Police continued to engage with the man and these measures were put in place so we could ensure the safety of all.
“This man was wanted to arrest by Police at the time. He remains in Police custody and charges still pending for this particular incident.”
Image 1 of 7: A man is arrested during a police incident in Auckland's Albert Park. Photo / Dean Purcell
An officer in a hazmat suit and a gas mask over their face could be seen inspecting the area around the now empty wheelchair following the arrest. Photo / Dean Purcell
A Herald reporter at the scene said police could be heard speaking into a megaphone.
“Come out,” police could be heard saying.
Police confirmed one person has been taken into custody and the incident has been safely resolved. A photo showed police carrying the man away from Albert Park.
“Charges are being considered. All cordons surrounding Albert Park have been lifted and there is no ongoing risk to the public,” police said.
A witness said officers drenched the man with water prior to his arrest. It is not clear whether some sort of hose or water cannon was used to do this.
As a precaution, Albert Park was evacuated and the streets immediately surrounding the park have been cordoned off.
A witness inside the University of Auckland grounds told the Herald the police appeared to be dealing with a man inside Albert Park.
Princes St, Kitchener St and Wellesley St were all affected.
Two university students told the Herald they are trapped in a university building with their car parked on Princes St.
Due to an emergency services incident at Albert Park, Auckland CBD, bus routes 933, 931, OUT, 75, 101, 939 have been detoured: • 931, 933, 939 inbound detours via Alten Road, Stanley St, Grafton Rd. • Outer Link via Mayoral Dr, Wakefield St, Symonds St, then Grafton Rd. pic.twitter.com/eDFuK3WM5b
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) January 24, 2024
Witnesses have told the Herald there are “heaps of cops with their rifles out, and the helicopter was out earlier”. One said he saw about 30 police officers at the scene.
A number of bus services around central Auckland were impacted by the incident with detours through the central city in place.
The incident has meant a Northern Motorway off-ramp has also been closed on Wellesley St.
Motorists are being told to delay their journey or follow directions of emergency services in the area and expect delays.
SH1 NORTHERN MWY - 1:30PM Due to a police issue Wellesley St Off-ramp LEFT TURN is closed, while the right hand turn remains open. Delay your journey or follow directions of emergency services in the area and expect delays. ^HJ More: https://t.co/n2iSK47udbpic.twitter.com/k6ajaV9e6d
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 24, 2024
