Police warn not to approach wanted man
A wanted man who allegedly sparked a large armed police response in Christchurch is a ‘‘good kid’’, his father said last night as he desperately tried to track him down.
Brandon Jarden, 23, was being ‘‘actively’’ sought by police following the incident in Burnside shortly before noon yesterday.
Police said he was considered dangerous and should not be approached by the public.
Jarden was believed to be driving a silver Toyota Caldina and likely to be in the Canterbury area.
Father Mathew Jarden told The Press the 23-year-old was ‘‘fine’’ when he spoke to him on Wednesday.
‘‘He’s a ... good kid and I have no idea why this happened,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s not dangerous. He never has been.’’
Jarden’s father had spent several hours at the police station and was worried for his son’s safety.
‘‘I’m going through his mates at the moment to try and track him down, when I track him down I’m going to go and pick him up and take him in. The last thing I need is the police to shoot him.’’
Police said there would be a ‘‘visible police presence’’ in Christchurch as they actively searched for Jarden.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately by phoning 111, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Earlier, at least 10 armed offenders squad members, several police dog squads, firefighters and St John crews were called to a Christchurch house.
Roydvale Ave in Burnside was cordoned off between Wairakei Rd and Memorial Ave about 12.30pm.
Several nearby streets were also cordoned off for several hours.
Police at the scene told The Press they were called to reports of a domestic incident involving a firearm. No-one was injured.
It is understood Te Ara Maurea Roydvale School and nearby BestStart Roydvale early childhood centre were also placed into lockdown for a time.
Mechanic Josh Dunstan, from Martyns Outdoor Power and Equipment Centre Ltd on Roydvale Ave, said firefighters with breathing gear were on the scene and armed police could be heard talking over a megaphone to someone at a property on Highwood Lane.
Dunstan said it was unclear what they were saying exactly, but it appeared as if they were trying to get a person out of the property.