Acting Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Phil Ward says Police have launched an investigation after the death of a man during an incident in Highbury yesterday.
At around 11.20am, Police sighted a person with an outstanding arrest warrant to arrest who was travelling in a vehicle on Wilson Crescent.
On seeing Police, the vehicle stopped and pulled into a driveway, and two people then fled on foot.
Inspector Ward says Police ran after one of the occupants, after recognising they had a warrant for their arrest, and they were taken into custody nearby.
“A second person, who had not been chased by Police, was subsequently located unresponsive on a neighbouring property.
“Immediate first aid was provided by Police, including CPR, and other emergency services attended the scene. Sadly, the man was pronounced deceased a short time later,” says Inspector Ward.
He says the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are now the subject of a critical incident investigation. As is standard procedure in incidents involving Police, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified.
A scene examination has been conducted, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what occurred.
“Members of the community can expect to see Police in the area as our enquiries are carried out, however please be assured that there is not believed to be any ongoing risk to people’s safety.
“Anyone with information that may help our investigation is asked to contact Police via 105 and reference the file number 260803/6822 or Operation Wilson.”