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Today in History: Napier Police Launch 40-Hour Siege of Ex-Army Shooter

5/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 7 May 2009, former New Zealand Army soldier Jan Molenaar opened fire on police executing a cannabis search warrant at his Napier home, killing Senior Constable Len Snee and wounding two other officers and a neighbour; the incident sparked a 40-hour siege that ended only after Molenaar was killed.

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Story summary

On 7 May 2009, former New Zealand Army soldier Jan Molenaar opened fire on police executing a cannabis search warrant at his Napier home, killing Senior Constable Len Snee and wounding two other officers and a neighbour; the incident sparked a 40-hour siege that ended only after Molenaar was killed.