A stand-off between police and a man in Dunedin on Tuesday ended with his arrest and subsequent court appearance. Chiron-Blessed Starlight, also known as Joshua Terehunga Edwards, 42, appeared in Dunedin District Court on Wednesday following the incident. He is facing multiple charges, including burglarizing two law firms on June 28 and 29, threatening to kill police officers, and possession of a sword.
Police responded to the Maitland Street address around 10 a.m. to speak with the occupant but encountered resistance when Edwards refused to leave the premises after being placed under arrest, according to Acting Senior Sergeant Iain Notman of Dunedin. The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of at least seven armed officers, four police vehicles, and a dog unit to the scene.
Authorities secured the area and called in the armed offenders squad and a negotiation team to manage the standoff. After several hours, Edwards exited the property and was taken into custody without further incident. Acting Senior Sergeant Notman expressed gratitude to residents and the public for their understanding and patience during the operation.
During his court appearance, Edwards did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody, with his next hearing scheduled for later this month. He did not enter pleas to the charges against him. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the burglaries and the threats made against officers.