Napier Siege
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Printed Date: 07 May 2025 at 7:35pm
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Topic: Napier Siege
Posted By: AandCsmum
Subject: Napier Siege
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 9:54am
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Anyone know anyone or got family up there?
My brother is in the cordoned off zone. I didn't find out until his mate turned up here to watch the news with us! His mate found out earlier in the day so did my DH (who neglected to tell me  )
He said he could leave to go to work last night but he wouldn't be able to go back home. He's a bread contractor up there so wonder if the bread got through LOL Last time I spoke to him was about 6.30pm & he said ohh gotta go somethings happening...talk about leaving us hanging! ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Replies:
Posted By: fallen
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:31am
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Pretty scary stuff!
I heard on the radio that everyone in the houses directly in the line of sight of the house where the dude is was evacuated during the night. Good luck to your brother and everyone else involved in the situation. I just hope it ends soon and without any further blood shed. ------------- |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:43am
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What have I missed??????? Are you handling things ok Kel?? (I'm sure you are just checking!) -------------   
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Posted By: MindyW
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:52am
My heart really goes out to their families right now, especially with the policemans who got killed and the the others that got hurt or terrified, innocent people and those just trying to protect the rest of us.. really really sad
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:55am
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We have a close friend up there, both her and her partner are journo's. It's incredibly scary stuff. -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 11:04am
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stupid good morning reporter - why doesnt she just tell the gunman what time they will be taking action as well...
i think the softly softly approach isnt working... makes our police force look a bit inadequate! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 11:47am
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Yeah I know...I bet he's sitting down watching TV!
Nah I'm fine about it, he's not stupid, he's been in scary situations before, he was working up the mountain in 1996 when the mountain errupted & his life was in direct threat so this is probably just all exciting for him. His house is within 200m off the place but not close enough to be evacuated I think. I'm talking to my SIL via email & she works in Auckland so she'll let me know what's going on. Funny thing was until about 4 weeks ago he was living in his van on the Napier forshore & we were worried about him doing that! Now that sounds like he's a street urchin but his van is pretty kitted out, not like a Camper van but kinda like that. He was being cheap cause he works during the night it was quite safe sleeping during the day. Yeah Bizzy....I'm sure a whole lot of tear gas will drive him out ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 12:02pm
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oh duh! simon dallow "police are refusing to disclose their tactics"... i wonder why you plonker!!!!! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 12:14pm
lol I use to think that when they were reporting on the war in Iraq, they were telling us where the troops were going and where they were expecting the iraqis to be, like they wouldn't be watching the news 
Kel hope you brother isn't trapped inside his house too much longer. I suppose it's hard for the police because if they go heavy handed now it will look like retaliation for killing a cop rather than just policing. ------------- 
 
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Bizzy wrote:Posted By: Katep
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 12:35pm
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It's up the road from my mum and step dad. I'm sure they'll be right though.
What an idiot thouhgh, all this over a bit of cannibas. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Mum to the Gorgeous Leah! 7 months |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 1:53pm
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The problem is the idiot has suggested that he has wired explosives up, and he is using a very high powered rifle - police have to act in a way to ensure the least likely loss of life. It would be terrible to lose another life because they were impatient.
It is horrible that people are scared & trapped - or unable to get home - but I think all of them would find that preferable to more blood on the street. & considering how the police have to justify themselves if they shoot him, how they will be subjected to investigations & suspensions, media harassment, anger and blame until the investigation is resolved - well, I dont blame them for being careful and patient! The biggest priority is to contain him to ensure he doesnt go on a rampage - and I think that has been the focus - to ensure all the escape holes are closed before they go in. Gossip says the nutter has expressed a reconciled finality to his girlfriend, which makes him capable of just about anything. If there was another way without a massive risk to lives I am sure they would do it - afterall it is one of theirs lying cold on the ground.  They are understaffed, under resourced, and under stress - but I have faith they will do the best they can.
Sorry for long novel rant - just the whole situation is a bit too close to home with friends and family members in the police (not there thank god). Wishing everybody with friends and family involved a safe resolution. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:29pm
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I still don't know whats going on lol but I'm with kmasonnz the police get so much crap for stuff they have to be careful. They'll be fighting emotions too since obviously an officer has been killed that they knew. Can't act on impulse in these situations ae its got to be thought out.
I hope it resolves itself quickly though!! -------------
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Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:38pm
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Nicely said babe and kmassonz I think the Police are doing a good job down there they do not want any more people killed, I too hope it will be resolved peacefully ------------- susie |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:41pm
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Is he by himself if so why don't they just go in there. I hear the army was there also. How many days is he allowed to disrupt & take lives, not someone we need to pay for to stay in jail.
Sorry If I sound a bit hard but feel for the family who lost someone. |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:47pm
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Because he has released more ammo than the police get to practice with in a year - and he has high powered rifle plus other weapons (he has shot different types of bullets out) - he has rigged explosives (how much they don't know - hey it could be enough to level the block!) & they cant tell exactly where he is, and there is no way to go in there without risking someone's life. He is trained in weapons - he can make a shot, or many shots, and they may get him, but will likely lose more lives in the process. They are using the equipment they have to ascertain his position etc, but it is one heck of a risk to go in there.
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:50pm
| What is this Waco? |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 2:51pm
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I live in the region and it is pretty scary. Apparently there are over 100 police + army etc. They must have good reasons for not shooting tear gas or something in there.
I really feel for the slain policemans family. Its aweful for them not to be able to recover the body. The police seem to be taking care of those who cant get back to their homes like putting them up in motels etc. I trust the police know what they are doing. Also, I agree with kmasonnz. They get a hard time from the media etc when they make a tough call on something. It would be hard to ask on of the guys from the forces to take a guys life. Hopefully it ends peacefully soon ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 3:01pm
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kmasonnz - what very well worded and non aggressive comments/replies you have made. I fully agree with everything you have said.
Its a horrible situation for all involved. -------------  
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Posted By: Bubnumber2
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 3:08pm
I second that. ------------- http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/"> 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 3:12pm
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When it comes to what you hear from reporters you never know as some of them seam to leave or add a bit so I guess we wont know till it is over, & I also hope that no one else is hurt.
Absolute senseless, and so hard for that family who have to wait for there loved ones body to be removed. |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 3:25pm
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Just for an FYI - latest herald update from Superintendent Sam Hoyle:
- Asked why gas had not been used to try to flush the gunman from the house, Mr Hoyle replied: "It would be wrong to assume it hasn't been used." ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: M2K
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 4:25pm
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Besieged gunman 'a total Rambo'
Last updated 09:41 The brother of besieged Napier gunman Jan Molenaar is not sure whether or not he will see him alive again. Peter Molenaar, one of Jan's five brothers, said Jan sold a few tinnies to his mates, but was no big-time drug dealer and he had no gang connections. He told Radio New Zealand the matter had gone ''way out'' of his hands and it was ''maybe not likely'' that his brother would survive. Peter Molenaar said his brother came home from walking his dog yesterday morning and found police in his house gathering evidence of alleged cannabis growing. ''Obviously, he was all pumped up from his walk and his adrenaline was going, and that was it.'' His brother reached for his gun and told the officers to get out. Peter Molenaar did not know why his brother had chosen to start shooting. There was further gunfire from the house overnight. Several shots were fired at 2.07am, then a long series of shots - more than a dozen - at 2.53am. Jan Molenaar's partner, who safely left the house yesterday, said he had just overreacted to the situation and ''flipped''. Peter Molenaar said his brother had told him he knew police had been watching the house over the past couple of weeks. He said Jan was an ''occasional'' drug user, but had ''definitely not'' used P. Peter Molenaar said he wanted to say to the families of the police officers involved that he was ''very sorry'' for what had happened Friends of Molenaar, say he is a former territorial soldier and likely to be heavily armed. One person described him as a "one-man army", and a friend told how he bade farewell to his partner as if he "had already accepted his fate". "This situation is a complete nightmare, perhaps it was a nightmare waiting to happen," said Molenaar's friend and business partner Arthur Hyde. "The guy is a total Rambo, OK? I've never met another person that's fitter than him. He's a very good marksman, he's just the wrong person. Wrong person, wrong place, wrong time, the police should have f...ing known. That's their business." Molenaar's friends said they doubted he would give himself up and police should not enter the house. Molenaar was a part-time territorial force soldier, attached to the armoured corps, from 1982-88, and friends believe he is heavily armed, and they suspect he may have "wired the place" too. "There's enough there to take that house off the face of the planet," friend Tony Moore said. Mr Moore said Molenaar said goodbye to his partner, who left the property a short time after the seige began, as if he intended to die. "He said 'Goodbye Hon', had a good blubber about it, and then: 'best you go'. So he's already accepted his fate." Mr Moore said he asked police to let him speak to Molenaar to talk him around but they rejected the offer. Another friend Allan Roser described Molenaar as a "one man army". "He's like a special forces type of character. It wouldn't surprise me if he had a bunker under there." Mr Hyde sent Molenaar a text message yesterday morning telling him to give himself up but did not get a response. The gunman's mother, Anna, said she wanted to apologise to the dead officer's family and those who were injured in hospital. She was struggling to understand what had happened. "I don't know why they grow up and become vicious," she told TV One's Close Up. "What are they trying to protect ... a silly marijuana plant? What a thing to protect, take someone's life. Now someone has been shot and two others I can't quite believe it really." She wanted to ask her son why he had not thought of the good things in his life, including his "wonderful son ... he's going going to have to put up with this for the rest of his life." - Stuff.co.nz, Dominion Post and NZPA There HAS to be more to this story surely than a few cannabis plants??? (or even P) Maybe searching for cannabis was grounds to obtain a search warrant for some other reason... but seems to me theres more to that story? or he has just really lost the plot...  ------------- 
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Posted By: Candkids
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 4:35pm
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i feel sorry for the poor police dog that they fear may be dying still in his injured handlers van out side the house, i think they shoyld bring in a army tank to block it off so they can get the dog and the body. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  DD 10.5yrs DS 6yrs DS 11mths 5 little angles watching from above |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 4:59pm
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I've been out all arvo never managing to hear the news so thanks for the updates.
I had text my brother & he seems happy to stay home. I guess his workers are doing his shifts? I''m up in the Bay tomorrow & my bro was supposed to come visit me, I guess now I'll be going to wave at him. That sucks about the dog, just as much as it sucks what's happened so far. Wonder if there will be a peaceful end to this? I doubt it ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 5:20pm
I third that. Surely it's better to wait 24/48/64 hours or as long as it takes to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost, than the police act just so that they can be "seen" to be doing something. ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
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Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 6:16pm
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Yet another update, and it looks like Campbell Live is going to have full coverage at 7pm too:
Police have confirmed that Senior Constable Len Snee's body has been recovered. Armed police this evening moved in on the house of the besieged gunman on Chaucer Rd, Napier. A resident of a house 200m from the property of the gunman Jan Molenaar told Radio New Zealand that two armoured vehicles were at the gunman's house and armed men were moving between the vehicles towards Mr Molenaaar's house. He said shots had been exchanged between the armed police and the gunman. Shortly after 5pm a flurry of 23 shots rung out on Napier Hill. Mr Molenaar has been inside the Chaucer Rd house since yesterday morning, when three police officers and a civilian were shot outside his house. The shots came within 40 minutes of two light armoured vehicles and two police cars full of armed police heading up Chaucer Rd. Mr Molenaar yesterday shot and killed Senior Constable Len Snee and badly wounded Senior Constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver, as well as a neighbour who tried to help police. The officers had been on a routine drugs operation at the house. Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle said earlier this afternoon that the standoff could finish "in the next five minutes or go on for days", and that over 100 extra officers had been brought into Napier from around the country. Police said they were prepared to wait to try to resolve the situation without any more fatalities or injuries. Many people today have paid tribute to Mr Snee, 53, among them a woman who emailed 3 News to say he and other officers searched her home last year because they suspected her flatmate was cultivating cannabis. She said Mr Snee was "the officer in charge and he was really cool. I am very sad to hear he has been murdered, and the others hurt as well." She also made a plea that officers be allowed to carry firearms in such circumstances. Mr Hoyle said it was a relief to be able to bring Len's body away from the scene. "We are pleased for the family that we are able to bring him out - it has been a traumatic and immensely difficult time for them". -TV3 News |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 6:29pm
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Am so glad for the family (and colleagues) that they have recovered his body. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 6:34pm
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Me too Kmasonnz
Very very sad state of affairs... |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 7:05pm
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Found where my bro lives, he's within the 2km cordon but 200m from the internal no go zone but still a reasonable distance from where the Chauncer road address is.
They spend the day's wandering around watching & checking out the tanks. Apparently the danger for them is the bullets flying around. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: queenbean
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 7:48pm
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So sad. We have just moved back to Napier and can't believe this has happened. The policeman killed was the brother of a family friend, and the gunman is an uncle of a school friend's husband. All far too close to home. I'm so glad they have finally got Len off the property though. -------------   
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Posted By: KH25
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 7:52pm
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The latest on Stuff is an unconfirmed report that the gunman is dead from self inflicted wounds. ------------- Kelly, mum to DD, 19Jun06 (26wks 1lb15oz) DS1, 24Oct10 (32wks 4lb11oz) and DS2, 31Dec11 (32wks, 4lb11) http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:19pm
| Stuff surely wouldn't report something like that unless they had a reliable source ...they couldn't risk losing the credibility iykwim. Here's hoping its all over! |
Posted By: queenbean
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:20pm
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Good. -------------
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Posted By: AuntieSarah
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:28pm
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I'm waiting for the report on tv - surely they'd interrupt Gok with a special report if he was dead? Surely if he hasn't committed suicide already he will at some stage - it's not like there's any way out for him now.
We've got a friend in the cordoned off area too, he went home last night (was outside the area) then apparently they made the area bigger overnight and in the morning was told if he left to go to work he wouldn't be allowed back in! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:33pm
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Gossip from people close to the scene is that he has either a) killed himself (although that was said a while back, before the last lot of shots went off) or b) that he has actually been injured and is on his way to a hospital.
I am hoping for the former. Medical ethics wont let the doctors do to him what I wish upon him. Just glad it's getting close to a safe ending (at least for the innocent) ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:37pm
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Have been watching during the day, so weird to see our home town all over the news, and not for anything good either!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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I hope it gets resolved soon, and I really feel for the family and friends of the policeman who was killed, so sad and pointless!Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:41pm
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From Xtra: TV3 is reporting that the gunman amongst the middle of the Napier siege has died from a self-inflicted wound. On the Campbell Live show it was reported that Jan Molenaar, who allegedly shot and killed Senior Constable Len Snee, is now dead. More to come... Sounds like it might be true!! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:54pm
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UPDATED: 8:43PM
Police tonight have rejected reports the gunman at the centre of a siege in Napier is dead, but several cars have moved through the police cordon carrying people not wearing protective clothing. Man hes not dead! ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 9:01pm
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From Tv 3 updated at 843pm:
Police tonight have rejected reports the gunman at the centre of a siege in Napier is dead, but several cars have moved through the police cordon carrying people not wearing protective clothing. Campbell Live reported that it had heard from sources that the gunman, Jan Molenaar, had died from a self-inflicted would and that ambulances were on the scene. 3 News has been since told the report was incorrect. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 9:03pm
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Ha snap Kandice!
Bugger it! Was so hopeful! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Natalie_G
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 9:12pm
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Nope not dead, it makes me mad since DH is joining the police force and police arent allowed to carry guns grrr. I hope they get the gunman out soon and I dont care how. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: linda
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:54pm
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From the police website:-
10:44pm 8 May 2009 Police dog Fi has been rescued alive and well from the back of a police vehicle at the property in Chaucer Rd, Napier. Specialist staff were able to reach the dog van shortly before 10.30 tonight and found "a very much alive" Fi, Superintendent Russell Gibson said. Mr Gibson said Fi doesn't appear to be hurt, but will be going to the vets tonight for a check-up. No other details are available at the moment. Police are continuing to monitor the situation in Chaucer Rd. Fi is a five-year-old German Shepherd and is Senior Constable Grant Diver's drug dog. Senior Constable Diver's condition is improving and he is now classified as "serious but stable". He has been moved from Intensive Care into a medical ward at Hawke's Bay Hospital. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Alex 6 and Harry 8 |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 08 May 2009 at 10:56pm
Yay for Fi!  That has actually made my night... made me cry, but made my night! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 9:22am
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Yay that is great the dog is ok and also the other policeman is improving! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4
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Must say I was disappointed this morning that it was all rumour last night and it is all still going!Posted By: Glow
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 12:59pm
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Police have confirmed early this arvo that Molenaar IS dead ------------- Mummy of Two Boys B: 2004 K: 2007 |
Posted By: Lexidore
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 1:06pm
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You beat me to it Glow!! LOL! Thank god the situation is over and that he can no longer harm anyone else. ------------- 
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Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 2:53pm
I for one am glad that the police are not issued with guns. It is sad when an officer dies in the line of duty but if you look at how many we have lost over the years it comes no where close to the amount of cops killed in other country's that carry guns. Not every police officer would be able to handle being put in a situation of being armed that is why they have specialised teams. I am sure no one would join the police force with out fulling understanding all the dangers Maybe when they are attending drug & potential dangerous situations they have armed offices with them, as I am sure the cost of that out ways a life. Why did the police not know he had guns, & if they did what happened, maybe stricter gun laws are needed. Just wanted to add- it was luckily no resident or child was killed in this terrible event. |
Posted By: ajmmum
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 3:56pm
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Mmm having spoken to a few police about it, they don't want guns either. They have no money to become adept at using them, and in highly stressful situations with adrenalin pumping it is very hard to control mind and body. There are also concerns that they could easily lose their guns in a scuffle and have them used against them.
As for the police not knowing that he had guns, he did not have a gun licence (as required by law) and the guns were therefore not registered. Unfortunately without becoming a big brother state where you are required to submit an inventory of your house and have a regular and random inspection of your property at any time it is almost impossible to stop someone buying illegal weapons. Police funding is so limited for the horrendous amount of work they have to do that they cannot have surveillence in place for months on end for minor (possible) offenders that would possibly allow them a chance to see - and once again they cant go into his house - how could they know? They respond to 1000s of cases a week of this nature, they execute 1000s of warrants and searches, there simply just isnt enough of them to have an armed officer accompanying them to every one!! The police are not allowed to complain about their work conditions without facing suspension (as per the police officer that wrote a letter to the editor in his private capacity and was supsended for doing so) - they are not allowed to strike by law, they have to buy their own notebooks. I am aware that many have been sent into "undercover" roles to spy on cannabis plantations in their conspicuous blue uniforms because they are not supplied with camo gear. The reality is that this is a rare incident, and has to be viewed with perspective - and without seeming blazai about the seriousness of it - sometimes bad sh&% happens! We should be grateful that in NZ our society and the police do such a good job at limiting this to such rare occurances that it can be a "big deal" when it does happen. I am just glad this is over so that people can move on and hopefully it doesnt happen again.  ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 09 May 2009 at 9:46pm
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I managed to catch up with my brother, man he was quite close! Much closer than it looked on Google earth.
I have goss from him but don't want to put it on the web. Just the neighbourhood guesses really as to what happened. He told me & showed me where a couple of helicopters tried to land in his culidsac....hmmm funny that they couldn't, there wasn't much room. They almost took out his front neighbours ariels. Said it freaked the sh*t out of them. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com">
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |