Christchurch Man Charged Following Fatal Police Shooting Incident

A serious incident in Christchurch on August 13, 2023, has resulted in a man facing charges after a police shooting left one woman dead and her partner critically injured. The events unfolded at a Kāinga Ora property located on Clyde Road in Bryndwr.

Officers were dispatched to the scene following reports that a man was armed with a knife, threatening both himself and his partner, identified as 53-year-old Te Arohanui Pohio. According to police, when they arrived, the situation escalated rapidly. Officers fired their weapons at the man and subsequently at Pohio, who they claim did not respond to commands to drop the hunting knife she was holding.

In the aftermath, a 47-year-old man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon. This man is scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court in November. According to Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill, “The charge relates to the family harm-related incident which preceded the police shooting.”

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

Superintendent Hill confirmed that a critical incident investigation into the police shooting is currently underway. This type of investigation seeks to assess the circumstances surrounding the use of force by law enforcement. The police shooting has raised concerns within the community, prompting discussions about safety and the handling of domestic incidents.

The tragic outcome of this event has deeply affected those involved and has prompted a dialogue about the challenges faced by police when responding to domestic violence situations. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the implications for community safety.

The police have reiterated their commitment to transparency throughout this process, ensuring that the public remains informed about the findings of the investigation as they develop.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the critical importance of appropriate responses from law enforcement.