Geraldton Christian College goes into lockdown after drug-affected man wanted by cops lurks on school grounds

Geraldton Christian College was forced into lockdown on Wednesday after a wanted man believed to be affected by drugs was sighted on the school grounds. Police were actively searching for a 38-year-old man on Wednesday after he allegedly committed a serious domestic violence attack on his partner. Officer in charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said Geraldton Christian College reported a suspicious male was on the school grounds at 10.30am. Police allege the man had taken a quantity of drugs and was acting distressed. He was not armed. “Police flooded the area and conducted a grounds search and did not locate the male,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. Sen. Sgt Martin confirmed the man was later arrested at the school about 2pm. It is understood the man was naked when he was being arrested. “Police would like to thank the school for their assistance to ensuring students were not exposed to something that could have potentially been a dangerous situation,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “Locking down the school isn’t a measure taken lightly. These proactive measures ensures students are safeguarded to exposures of police activity and police activities.” Sen. Sgt Martin said there was a “potentially serious” risk to staff, students and the wider community. No one was harmed during the incident. Geraldton Christian College acting principal Sophia de Lange said the college went into lockdown on police advice as officers conducted their search. “The lockdown lasted for about 35 minutes, ending about 1pm, after police gave the all-clear,” she said. “Parents and guardians were advised of the college’s action at the start and end of the lockdown.” Ms de Lange said the school was grateful to police for ensuring students and staff remained safe “through their prompt action, vigilance and communication”. “We also thank staff and students for calmly and effectively following our lockdown procedure,” she said. “After the lockdown, the college made allowance for a student and staff lunch break before classes resumed for the day.” The college also directed anyone affected by the incident to make use of available supports. Hoani Kevin Charles Paku, 38, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday on 16 new charges, including eight counts of aggravated common assault, persistent family violence, two counts of impeding breathing, two counts of endangering life, being armed, making threats and damaging property. He was remanded in custody, with the matter adjourned until Monday, September 26. No pleas were entered, and no application for bail was made. In his short appearance, Paku told the magistrate: “I f...ed up big time”.