Hemel Stand-Off

7 January 2013, 08:46 | Updated: 8 January 2013, 12:56

A man's been charged after a two-hour stand off in Hemel Hempstead sparked when an armed man threatened staff in two shops.

Hertfordshire Police were called to a report of a man behaving in a threatening manner at The Co-op and Corals bookmakers, in Stoneycroft, Warners End, Hemel Hempstead just before 4pm on Sunday 6 January 2013.
 
The man was carrying what is believed to be a handgun and a drill.  It's alleged he hit another member of the public, a man, in the face, before making off into a nearby block of flats.

Roads in the area were cordoned off on the evening of Sunday 6 January while police carried out their investigations.  Police also used a Taser stun gun to incapacitate a suspect.

Shane Hogan, 44, from Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.  He was due to appear at Hatfield Remand Court on Tuesday 7 January 2013.
 
Detective Sergeant Craig Flint from the Hemel Hempstead said: “This was a very unusual incident and something which doesn’t happen in the local area. I’d like to thank members of the public for their assistance with the investigation.”

The man who was injured was taken to hospital but only suffered superficial injuries.