NSW Police Shoot Dead Driver Allegedly Pointing Loaded Rifle After Car Crash

A man has been shot and killed by police in regional New South Wales after allegedly aiming a loaded rifle at officers responding to a single-vehicle crash.

Police were called to a tree impact on a road 84 km north of Yass at about 2:50pm on Sunday, where reports said a driver was unconscious. Officers found a Chrysler station wagon that had crashed into a tree, with the driver appearing to have lost consciousness.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said police had been told the man had a firearm in the vehicle.

“They received information that he took up a firearm in the car and that he was also in the car, not responding to members of the public,” Hegarty said. “That’s why they obviously contacted the police.”

Paramedics were also at the scene. Hegarty said officers confirmed the man was still inside the car and approached to check on his welfare and provide medical assistance if needed. He did not respond when they tried to communicate with him.

The man then picked up the firearm and pointed it “directly at the police officer,” Hegarty said.

“At that point, I can confirm that police opened fire and he was struck at a number of rounds.”

Police said the gun the man held was loaded.

The officers were “quite close to the car” when the shooting occurred, Hegarty said.

They were attempting to reach the man to provide assistance and check on his condition.

Police and paramedics tried to give first aid, but the man died at the scene.

The driver had not yet been formally identified, but was believed to be 45, was known to police and had previously been charged with firearm offences, Hegarty said.

A crime scene was established and an investigation began.

The investigation will be the subject of an independent review by the professional standards command, overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

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