A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a tense stand-off with armed police at a property in Bell Block’s industrial area last night, Friday 5th July 2013. The man, who will appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday, 8th July 2013 has been charged with aggravated burglary, injuring with intent, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful possession of a pistol. Rifle-toting police used road spikes to block access to Corbett Rd from State Highway 3 and De Havilland Dr about 5.30pm after a reported firearm incident in the area. The police armed offenders squad moved in soon after and surrounded a property within the cordon on Cygnet Drive, Bell Block. At the height of the incident six marked and unmarked police cars were parked at the SH3 end of Corbett Rd. More were visible on De Havilland Dr. A St Johns ambulance crew was also at the scene.
