New Zealand Bravery awards are to be presented to two Police officers for their response to a family violence callout in Auckland in July 2014.
Sergeant Ryan Lilleby and Sergeant (then Constable) Chris McDowell valiantly put their own safety at risk when they encountered a man with knives, who later attempted to stab one of the officers.
On arriving at an address in Papatoetoe just after midday, they were immediately greeted by a woman who told them her husband was inside the property armed with a knife.
She stated that her husband had earlier threatened to kill her and was threatening to self-harm.
Sergeant Lilleby saw the man through window and told him to drop his weapons. He didn’t, so the team gained entry to the house.
After more Police warnings, the man charged at the officers armed with his knives.
The offender kept attempting to attack the team.
The officers dispersed and attempted to retreat from the room. In the fast-changing environment, Sergeant McDowell was cornered and stabbed in the stomach area with a large knife.
Fortunately, the officer was saved by his stab resistant body armour.
But that wasn’t the end of the assault. The offender then tried to stab Sergeant McDowell in the neck. Sergeant Lilleby drew his Glock pistol, but his line of sight to his target was blocked by his colleague during the fluid event.
When the knife was just two inches from Sergeant McDowell’s neck, without hesitation Sergeant Lilleby grabbed the knifeman from behind and wrestled him to the ground. It took three officers to disarm and arrest the offender.
While the officers were trained and experienced, the event on that winter day two years ago is remembered as challenging.
Recalling the family violence callout, Sergeant Lilleby says he had to wrestle and drag the man backwards with one arm, because he had to keep the Glock secure in his other hand.
On being told he is to receive his award, Sergeant Lilleby says: “I’m really surprised. I wasn’t expecting it at all. The incident is something I’ll never forget. Every time I’m on a training course, I really think about that job.
“I would like to thank Police trainers who give us the best training to prepare for this type of situation.”
Sergeant McDowell is also surprised, but is delighted to be an award recipient: “It’s surreal. I never would have expected something like this.”
He pays tribute to his colleague, Sergeant Lilleby: “Ryan had to make a big decision. If he had fired his pistol he could have shot me. If he didn’t fire, the offender could have killed me. Ryan’s reaction was outstanding. I am immensely grateful to him.”
The New Zealand Bravery Awards are administered by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The medals are due to be presented at Government House on a date to be announced.
ENDS
Note to media: Neither of the officers or their supervisors will be conducting media interviews at this stage. Any interviews will be considered for the investiture at Government House, on a date yet to be announced.
Police Media Centre
