Woman dies after stabbing on Christchurch footpath
A woman going home from work was stabbed to death in what police called a “horrific, traumatic and random attack” in Christchurch on Saturday.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price confirmed a 37-year-old man had been charged with murder after the death of the woman.
He will appear in court today. The victim, in her 50s, was not known to the offender.
This was a horrific, traumatic and random attack on an innocent person who was simply making her way home from work, he said.
The suspect is known to police. Price said police’s thoughts were with the grieving family of the victim who were dealing with loss of partner, mother, friend and a colleague.
At this stage, police would not release further details of the victim until all next of kin were notified.
The traumatic, senseless act would have a huge impact on the community as a whole and right across New Zealand, he said.
“I want to reinforce that this was an isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else.”
Price also wanted to reassure residents of their presence in the area as they conduct a scene examination and look to speak to witnesses. “No-one deserves this.”
The knife was found at the scene. Emergency services were called to Cheyenne St at 4.20pm on Saturday after reports a woman had been stabbed in the street, he said. “She sadly died at the scene.” The man was found nearby by police and taken into custody.
A second man was taken into custody but was later found to be a family member of the man and was released.
Other agencies will be involved in the investigation, Price said, saying they want to get a total picture over the motive, means and manner.
Police shooting in Kaiapoi
Price then spoke about a police shooting in Kaiapoi on Saturday night.
A man was allegedly threatening members of the public with a metal bar and knife.
He attacked a police car with the metal bar when officers arrived.
He was not cooperative with police, and tactical options including taser, OC spray and communication were deployed multiple times, Price said.
But they had no effect on the man or his behaviour.
He then went into a private residential driveway and police kept talking to him.
After a further period of negotiation, police fired multiple shots, injuring the man.
Police gave medical assistance to the man before he was rushed to hospital. He is still there in a serious but stable condition. Surgery was completed yesterday morning.
Price did not know how many officers fired shots.
It unfolded over 15 to 20 minutes, from when police first came across the man — their vehicle was attacked — before negotiation, tactical options, before the man had “advanced on police and they have used firearms at that stage”. — NZ Herald