Officers’ bravery praised after deadly confrontation
Gunman who died after police fired at car in Canterbury town named as former rugby rep
The Darfield gunman who died after police fired at his vehicle as he drove off, striking an officer with his car, has been named as former rugby rep Donald Melville Ineson.
The 56-year-old lived at a Bangor Rd property with his family, including children who attended the local high school. On Sunday, Ineson sparked an armed offenders squad response when he fired shots at the house.
Ineson played for the Mackenzie Rugby Club and was a former South Canterbury Rugby representative.
Police arrived at the property after 4pm in response to reports a man was threatening his family.
As Ineson sped out of the property, allegedly after firing a volley of shots at the occupied house, he drove directly towards two officers.
One was struck and was thrown into the air before landing.
Police then shot at the vehicle, which turned and stopped.
Two other officers arrived at the scene to find Ineson in the car.
Police said yesterday they were not sure if a police bullet killed him.
Ineson was not previously known to police, who yesterday praised the bravery of the two officers who tried to stop him.
The injured officer, an experienced policeman with a young family, had leg surgery yesterday.
Canterbury district commander Superintendent John Price visited him in hospital and said he was in a lot of pain.
It is “very lucky”, Price said, that the second officer was not injured.
He praised their actions in what was a fast-moving violent incident. “These things happen so quickly.” In Darfield yesterday, Price said two officers were walking towards the property and assessing the situation when the gunman drove out at speed.
The gunman drove directly at the policemen, Price said.
After the attack, police fired at the vehicle, Price said. The vehicle drove down the road, did a U-turn and drove back at the officers, he said.
“The vehicle has then come to a stop of its own accord,” Price said.
He said the officers were not laying road spikes when Ineson drove at them, correcting earlier reports.
A “robust and thorough” investigation had started and the incident been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Ineson’s family has been offered victim support and a family liaison officer has been supporting them.
“This is a terrible situation for all concerned,” Price said. “The community of Darfield and rural Canterbury will be absolutely shocked by this incident, as we all are.” He said public safety was paramount.
Price praised the actions of the two local police officers who responded.
“I’m very proud of their actions.
“Police officers go to work every day to do a great job and ensure public safety and protect all members of their community from harm.
“An incident like this is the absolute last thing that any police officer wants to happen on their shift.”
Price said Ineson appears to have died from a gunshot wound but it was not clear if it was fired by officers.
The armed offenders squad had not arrived by the time he died.
Meanwhile, in a newsletter to parents, Darfield High School principal James Morris said the school community was saddened to learn the shooting involved a family with students who attended the school.
“The school has offered support to the family and their children. We are working with staff and students who may be upset and keeping an eye out to assist where needed.”
The Ministry of Education had been in contact with the school to help as required, Morris said.
South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said Ineson’s death was a tragic loss to the South Canterbury Rugby family.
Calder said people who knew Ineson described him as a popular character who played in the team.
Ineson was a former South Canterbury Rugby representative from 1988 to 1990 and played more than 25 games for the region and union.
His family were from Fairlie and he had been a member of the Mackenzie Rugby Club before moving north. “He was a lock sort of in the mould of a Brodie Retallick.”