Man in court over police shooting

A man has appeared in Christchurch District Court charged with attempting to murder two police officers.

A police dog was killed and the two officers injured during a shooting incident in the Christchurch suburb of Phillipstown yesterday.

Christopher Graeme Smith, 34, a process worker of Christchurch, appeared briefly in court this morning in relation to the shooting. No application was made to suppress his name.

He faces charges of attempting to murder Mitchel Mikko Alatalo, 39, and Bruce Malcolm Lamb, 51, both of whom are recovering in Christchurch Hospital from their injuries.

Smith is also charged with using a firearm against another police officer, Daniel Isherwood, having a pig knife in his possession with an intention to use it to cause bodily injury, intentionally killing a police dog and cultivating cannabis.

Smith showed little emotion during his appearance in the dock but gestured towards a supporter in the public gallery.

He entered no plea and has been remanded for two weeks in custody to reappear in court on July 28.

Steven Paul Smith, 31, unemployed, appeared in court charged with possession of cannabis, also arising from the incident at the Christchurch house yesterday.

He did not appear before a judge and was released on bail to also reappear on court on July 28.

Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said that Constable Lamb was in the intensive care unit at Christchurch Hospital after surgery to insert titanium plates in his face.

"Bruce is in a lot of pain, but he's talking and seems very chipper for what he's been through."

Constable Alatalo was doing fine, Mr Cliff said.

"They're courageous officers who were simply doing a routine door knock as officers throughout the country do every day of the week.

"While the injuries are serious we're just massively relieved that the wounds are not life threatening."

Mr Lamb's family issued a statement through police thanking the public for its support.

"We've had hundreds of texts, emails, phone calls, flowers and messages from so many people, many unknown to us, including a lovely message from a wee seven year old boy especially for Gage."

Mr Lamb loved working as a dog handler and the family had had police dog Gage with them since he was a pup.

"He was a bit of a character at home and certainly a one man dog. He would have done anything to help Bruce and that's ultimately just what Gage did."

Mr Alatalo's wife Philippa also thanked the community for its show of support.

"The care and concern shown by so many means a lot to both of us and
helps to keep our spirits up."

Mr Cliff said that three firearms had been recovered from the Buccleugh Street house where the shooting took place and a detailed scene examination was continuing.

"Today's court appearances are not the end of our investigation," he said.