Wellington Home Invasion Leaves Residents 'Traumatised' as Police Use Force to Subdue Suspect

Residents of Wellington are reeling from a violent home invasion that occurred on Anne St, with neighbours describing the incident as deeply traumatic. The event, which unfolded around 12:35pm, saw police called to a residence after reports of a man entering the property with a 'large, bladed weapon' and attempting to steal a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers deployed pepper spray in an effort to de-escalate the situation. However, the suspect retreated into a room and refused to come out. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the deployment of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), who used additional pepper spray, dogs, and a Taser to subdue and arrest the man.

During the confrontation, a single shot was fired by police, resulting in the suspect sustaining a dog bite and a superficial shoulder injury. He has since been charged with aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon and is currently remanded in custody. His court appearance is scheduled for October 2 in Wellington District Court.

Police described the incident as a 'fast-moving situation involving a volatile offender' and confirmed that no injuries were sustained by staff or members of the public. The matter will now be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority for further review.

Superintendent Corrie Parnell, Wellington District Commander, confirmed that officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance to the community while the investigation continues. The presence of police has been welcomed by local residents, who are calling for increased security measures in the area.

Neighbours also recalled a similar incident in the area a year ago, when a group of youths had been secretly living in one of the houses while the owners were away. The youths reportedly consumed the family's food and slept in their beds, leaving the wife of the home's owner feeling 'frightened' and vulnerable.

While the current incident has left the community shaken, many residents are expressing solidarity with the victims and are calling for stronger police presence and increased community engagement to prevent such events from occurring again.