Man, 31, arrested after police discharge firearm and use taser during Stonehaven incident

By Cameron Roy and Louise Glen

November 21 2022, 2:24 pm

Police and ambulance remain at the scene in Stonehaven. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested after armed police discharged a firearm and used a taser during a “hostage situation” in Stonehaven.

The incident took place on Hunter Place at around 12.40pm.

Firearms officers were called to the scene following reports for a disturbance and the surrounding streets, including Mearns Drive, have been sealed off.

In a recording of the incident, sent by a reader, a male voice can be heard to shout “stop it now”, “no stop it, take the knife away, do it now” then “stop doing that, stop twisting it” then again “stop it now.”

Then a loud bang, like a gun shot, can be heard. Social media reports suggest locals were told to stay indoors.

One resident said: “I heard a bang between 1.40 and 2pm. I am not acquainted with gun sounds but it sounded like a gun.

“My wife was startled by the sound.”

Police fire gun and use taser

Police said officers discharged a firearm in the incident. A taser was also deployed.

The 31-year-old, who has since been arrested in connection to the incident, was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with minor injuries.

It is understood nobody else has been injured.

Police remain at the scene of an incident in Stonehaven. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Chief superintendent Kate Stephen warned there will be police presence on Hunter Place for some time as inquiries are still ongoing.

Five police vehicles and an ambulance remain at the scene.

She said: “Officers will be in the area as inquiries are carried out. I want to reassure the public that this was a contained incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“Anyone with any concerns or information should speak to officers who will remain in the area this evening, or contact police via 101.”