A man arrested after trying to enter a Christchurch Work and Income office with a gun is behind bars tonight.
Mitchell Moulton appeared in the city's district court this afternoon and was ordered to remain in custody until his next appearance.
The 32-year-old was spotted carrying a firearm outside the Linwood WINZ office on Aldwins Rd this morning.
He is charged with discharging a pistol in a public place, possession of a pistol and possession of cannabis, and is yet to enter pleas.
Superintendent John Price said police were called to the office about 8.45am.
"The man failed to gain entry to the office and fled the scene in a vehicle," he said.
Police stopped the vehicle about 9.15am as it travelled along Ferry Rd near the intersection with Ensors Rd. After a short foot chase, Moulton was arrested without incident.
Police said no one was injured, but the Linwood Winz office would remain closed while police speak to staff.
Earlier today, all other Winz offices were placed in lockdown as a precaution for staff and the public, but later reopened.
"Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe whether at home or at work," Supt Price said.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated and the prompt action of Winz staff alerting police ultimately led to the man being located and arrested.
"Police will be visiting Winz offices around the district to reassure and support staff."
Supt Price said a staff member and security at Linwood Winz had a confrontation with the man, who then left the office and went to his vehicle to get the firearm. He said he believed the firearm was a shotgun and it was not yet known whether it was loaded.
"I'm not aware of whether or not the gun was actually used ... but a gun was presented outside the building," Mr Price said.
Police would be interviewing the man and Winz staff members to try to understand what the grievance was about, he said.
Security guards and some staff members intervened to block the man back from getting back into the office.
Ministry of Social Development chief executive Brendan Boyle said in a statement the ministry took all threats to staff very seriously.
"MSD and police will continue to work closely together. People cannot and should not be able to threaten others without consequence," he said.
The incident comes a month after the first anniversary of the fatal shooting at the Ashburton Winz office.
Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland were killed in the September 1, 2014 shooting on Cass St.
Russell John Tully has been charged with the murder of the two women, as well as the attempted murder of Lindy Curtis and Kim Adams.