The suspect for the murder of two employees in an unemployment office, as well as for the grave injuries suffered by a third worker, in a South Island town was officially charged on Tuesday. In his first court appearance, the suspect refused to enter a plea to the two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder filed against him. At present, he remains under police custody.

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Russell John Tully, 48, a homeless man, was apprehended by a police dog unit located near a lake in Ashburton, New Zealand on Monday. His arrest led to the conclusion of the seven-hour manhunt launched after he allegedly fatally shot two workers and seriously injured another employee in an unemployment office.

In a statement, police spokesperson Lisa-Marie Brooks disclosed that Tully was arrested shortly after 5 p.m. after an extensive search in the South Island town of Ashburton. In addition, Tully would be undergoing treatment for minor dog wounds. At present, police officers are still attempting to locate the gun used in the incident.

"Nothing will give the families who lost loved ones closure but I think a community can go to sleep tonight with the thought that the person we believe may be responsible is in custody," District Commander Supt. Gary Knowles said.

In an earlier announcement, authorities warned civilians to stay inside their houses to protect themselves from an armed man who began shooting employees working in the Work and Income New Zealand office at around 10 a.m. Police have taken into consideration the witness account stating that the suspect who barged in the office and began shooting workers was wearing a black balaclava. Ashburton Guardian newspaper revealed that the two fatally shot victims were both women. Other witnesses claim that the weapon that man carried was a shotgun. The also added that he fled the scene on a bicycle. Brendan Boyle, the chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development, confirmed that all three victims worked for the agency.

"We are all devastated by the deaths of two of our colleagues in the shocking attack," Boyle shared. He also extended the agency's "thoughts and prayers" to the third victim currently being treated at an area hospital.

TagsJohn Tully, homeless, new zealand, shooting, Murder, attempted murder, Ashburton, Lisa-Marie Brooks, Gary Knowles, Brendan Boyle