RSIPF arrest suspect following threatening weapon incident in Honiara

The Royal Solomon Island Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have detained a foreign national from Australia following a major threatening incident with an alleged firearm at a local shop last night (4 September 2026) near the SDA-Vura one main road in east Honiara.

Police received a report that the suspect had reportedly been threatening a business owner while showing what seemed to be a weapon.

The suspect reportedly entered a shop and showed the weapon, causing fear and concern among people at the scene.

Police responded quickly to the report. When officers arrived, the suspect had already left the location.

Officers remained in the area and waited until the suspect returned to the same location, intercepted the vehicle and arrested the suspect.

The suspect was approached by police and instructed to exit his vehicle and move to a clear area so that the alleged weapon could be safely surrendered.

The suspect refused to comply and behaved aggressively. Given the circumstances and the potential threat posed to members of the public and police officers, officers took the necessary action and used less lethal force to gain control of the suspect.

Following the arrest, police searched the suspect's vehicle, and there was no firearm or other weapon located in the vehicle.

There is no exchange of fire between police and the suspect during the interception of the vehicle. Only police use beanbags fired from a Remington 870 (shotgun), a less lethal capability, to gain control of the suspect since he does not comply with orders.

The issue of how the firearm enters the country or someone sold it to him is still subject to investigation.

Police allegedly discovered equipment related to the usage of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Police are treating the incident as a serious matter. Investigators will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what led to the threatening behaviour and whether there are other matters connected to it.

Your Police RSIPF are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thoroughly investigated and that the matter is dealt with in accordance with the law.

Commissioner of Police James Aitorea has issued a strong warning that anyone involved in criminal activity will be dealt with according to the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Threatening members of the public while displaying what appears to be a weapon is a grave concern. Police will not tolerate behaviour that creates fear and puts members of the community at risk.

Police will respond decisively and ensure that matters of such nature are properly investigated and dealt with under the law of the Solomon Islands.

Police are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report threatening behaviour or incidents involving firearms.