Recognition of police courage

Police officers involved in a major operation in the Waitaki district last year, in which shots were fired at police, have received official recognition for their actions and bravery.A 600km crime spree by Christopher Shaw and Stacey Snelleksz, both of Palmerston North, came to a tense end on February 2 last year when the pair were caught near Palmerston.

Police commissioner Howard Broad visited Oamaru yesterday to present silver merit awards for courage to Senior Constable Darrin Low and Constables Paul Alden, Ryan Mitchell, Peter Scott and Stefan Witehira.

Detective Sergeant Mike Ryder and Sergeant Wayne Brew received bronze merit awards for their actions, while Constable Gary Mahuika and the Timaru armed offenders squad received district commander's commendations.

Five members of the squad travelled to Oamaru for the presentation.

Inquiries into a suspicious vehicle at Oamaru led to a prolonged chase that involved a stolen vehicle. In the vehicle were a known offender, his associate and two infants.

During the pursuit, Shaw waved a firearm from the vehicle and fired shots at police officers attempting to lay road spikes. The pursuit ended when the offending vehicle crashed and the occupants fled.

Police officers followed the group on foot for several kilometres through rural land, where Shaw continued to fire shots at police until he was eventually overpowered and arrested.

In December last year, Shaw (then 26) was jailed for nine years and 11 months and Snelleksz (then 21) for 22 months.

Mr Broad was "tremendously proud" of the police officers in North Otago and South Canterbury.

The incident was very significant, very dangerous and one that "drew out of our people" courage and a demonstration of professionalism and skill above the ordinary, he said.

Mr Broad also presented a 14-year service medal to Sergeant Peter Muldrew.