By Juanita Copeland and NZPA
The police dog handler shot in the jaw in Christchurch yesterday is deeply upset about the loss of his dog Gage, but does not think it would have made a difference if he had been armed at the time of the incident.
Police today also revealed that a Taser stun gun was used by police in the incident, but without success.
The dog handler, Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, and Constable Mitchel Alatalo were both wounded in the shooting in suburban Phillipstown yesterday morning.
Canterbury police district commander Superintendent Dave Cliff told a press conference Mr Lamb, who was shot in the face, was grateful for the outpouring of support for him and his family, and wished to thank the public for the cards and flowers.
Mr Lamb was in a lot of pain, but was now out of intensive care after surgery last night, Mr Cliff said.
A bullet had shattered his jaw before exiting out the side of his face.
Mr Alatalo, who was shot in a leg, was recovering well, Mr Cliff said.
Gage died quickly and was a sad loss to Mr Lamb and his family, Mr Cliff said.
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Attempted murder charges were laid today against a 34-year-old Christchurch man, Christopher Graeme Smith. He was remanded in custody.
Police said they had found four weapons: a .22 rifle, a .308 rifle, a shotgun, and a pig knife. No one at the Buccleugh Street house had a firearms licence.
They have their own theories about how Smith came to have a shotgun.
“We do know that firearms are routinely stolen during burglaries and that is something we can prevent if they are secured properly,” Mr Cliff said.
It was only revealed today that a third officer had retrieved a Taser from a police car outside the property. It was discharged immediately after Mr Lamb and Mr Atalato were shot, but without success.
Mr Lamb had access to a firearm in his police truck, but chose not to pick it up when he went into the house.
Mr Cliff said the officer had seen no need to use the firearm.
“Having spoken to Bruce this morning, he said he had the dog with him and just didn’t think he needed the firearm,” Mr Cliff said.
The gunman was unsuccessfully tasered by a third constable, who was uninjured.
“It is possible one probe entered the offender, but we’re still unable to confirm that,” Mr Cliff said.
The gunshot heard as Smith was apprehended, which was captured on a neighbour’s cellphone, occurred when an Armed Offenders Squad member attempted to kick the 308 out of Smith’s reach.
“The weapon was fully cocked, ready to charge and as it was kicked away, it was discharged,” Mr Cliff said.
Inspector Brendon Gibson, the national co-ordinator of police dog training, said the other dog handlers were very upset.
There was an incredible bond between the dog and the handler. Gage had lived for six years as part of Mr Lamb's family.
"Mr Lamb and Gage were a team in their prime, and this was the worst nightmare for a dog handler," he said.
Dog handlers were called out more than 25,000 times a year and dogs were retired at 7-1/2 years. He said Mr Lamb's street experience may have helped him get out alive.
He said it was up to Mr Lamb to decide what happened to Gage now.
Mr Cliff said staff at the scene should finish their investigation about midday on Thursday.
Smith, a process worker, of Phillipstown, faced six charges in Christchurch District Court in an appearance that lasted only seconds.
Defence counsel David Ruth asked Judge John Strettell for Smith to be remanded to July 28, and no bail application was made.
Smith was charged with attempting to murder Mr Lamb and Mr Alatalo.
He was also charged with intentionally killing police dog Gage without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, using a firearm against a third police officer, possession of a pig knife with intent to commit an offence, and cultivating cannabis.
No pleas were entered.
A man from the same Phillipstown address, 31-year-old unemployed Steven Paul Smith, was charged with possession of cannabis and was granted a registrar's remand to July 28, without having to appear before a judge.
3 News / NZPA