A woman returning home from work was stabbed to death in what police called a “horrible, traumatic and random attack” in Christchurch.
John Price, commander of the Canterbury district, confirmed that a 37-year-old man was charged with murder after the death of a woman.
He will appear in court tomorrow.
The victim was in his fifties and was unknown to the criminals.
“This was just a horrifying, traumatic and random attack on an innocent person on his way home from work,” he said.
The suspect is known to the police.
According to Price, their idea was a sad family of victims dealing with the loss of partners, mothers, friends and colleagues.
At this stage, police did not disclose the victim’s details until all relatives were notified.
He said traumatic and meaningless acts would have a significant impact on the entire community throughout New Zealand.
“I would like to emphasize that this is an isolated case and we are not asking for anyone else.”
Price also wanted to reassure the residents that they were in the area, as they seemed to conduct a field survey and talk to witnesses. He also called on those who saw something, or who had CCTV footage, to come forward.
“No one deserves this.”
A knife was found on the spot.
He said paramedics were called on Cheyenne Street in Sockburn yesterday at 4:20 pm after receiving reports of a woman being stabbed in the street.
Shortly thereafter, staff arrived to assist the seriously injured woman.
“She died sadly on the spot.”
The man was found nearby by police and detained.
A second man was detained, but was later found to be part of the man’s family and released.
When the attack took place, the woman was on the bus and walking from the bus stop.
Immediately after the incident, the suspect’s brother appeared.
Other agencies will also be involved in the investigation, saying he wants to get a complete picture of the motives, means and methods, according to Price.
Given the random nature of horrific attacks, communities and families “need to understand why.”
Price then talked about police shootings in Kaiapoi last night.
The man reportedly threatened the general public with metal rods and knives.
When the policeman arrived, he attacked the police car with a metal rod.
He wasn’t working with police – and tactical options, including Taser, OC Spray and communications, were deployed multiple times, Price said.
But they did not affect that person or his behavior.
Then he went to the driveway and the police kept talking to him.
After a further negotiation period, police fired multiple ammunition and injured the man.
Police gave the man medical assistance before he was taken to the hospital. He is still serious but stable there. The surgery was completed this morning.
The price urged witnesses to come forward.
“If there is a CCTV video or a mobile phone video, the police will contact the police at 105.”
“This will have a huge impact on them and their Whānau,” officials still support.
“This is not the result everyone wanted.”
Male families are notified and supported.
It is not possible to reveal his identity at this stage. IPCA has been notified and police investigations and investigations into serious cases are underway.
Price didn’t know how many police officers fired.
It took 15-20 minutes from the time the police first encountered the man, before negotiations, tactical options, and before the man “goed to the police and used firearms at that stage.”
He was struck in the abdomen, chest and limbs.
The individual was known to the police, the price confirmed.
“The last thing police officers want to do is have to use firearms.”
The price emphasized that the two cases were not related.