ARMED MAN

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1929, Page 1

ARMED MAN

BARRICADED IX SHOP. [Bv Telegraph. Per Press Association.] WANGANUI, Jan. 2. Mrs I). Wither, keeper of a sweet shop opposite the Opera House, was assaulted in her shop shortly before seven o’clock to-night, allegedly by a man named George Allen, who then threw her into the street, and barricaded himself in the shop armed with a double barrelled shotgun. When called on by the police to surrender, he ,'refus'ed. and went unmolested till after eleven, as the police deemed it best in the interests of the public safety, not-to precipitate action. The Eire Brigade was called out eventually, and a hose was played through a back window, hut was unable to reach Allen, who then went into the front shop to cover. Ammonia was also used in an attempt to drive him from his refuge, but at midnight the police had not been able to effect his capture.

The woman was taken to the hospital and operated on late to-night, when she was reported to be in a serious condition, and suffering from scalp wounds. LATER. Tt was just on midnight when the police commenced spraying ammonia through the window's. Allen shot himself. and was found dead when the door was broken in.