They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but I think this gentleman may have taken it a little too far.

A hostage situation developed Tuesday night in Athlone, culminating in a police officer being shot in the face. The dispute centred over a complaint that the man’s dogs were presenting a danger to neighbours. Here’s News24:

…resident in Hazendal, Athlone, called in a complaint to law enforcement officials that her landlord’s dogs had attacked her…

The South African Police Service responded to the call at around 18:30 on Tuesday, and determined that the dogs should be removed.

On attempting to remove the dogs from the premises, shots were fired by the owner, who had barricaded himself in the house.

It was during this exchange that the police officer was shot in the face and taken to hospital. The standoff continued throughout the night, and at various points the police suspected the man had committed suicide.

After noticing movement in the house the police entered the residence at around 10:30 this morning, with reports of shots being fired. At around 11:15 police confirmed that the man, a retired electrical engineer, had died. This prompted angry reactions from family members who had gathered outside the residence.

The man has now been identified as Michael Volkwyn, said to be eccentric by neighbours. News24 reports that he is alleged to have shot Herchelle Gibbs’ mother with a crossbow a few years ago, and had  ‘booby trapped’ his house.

It is believed the man shot himself, along with one of his 13 dogs, when police stormed the house.

More details are set to emerge from the incident as the day progresses, we’ll keep you guys updated.

[sources:news24&news24]