NSW police shoot and kill 49-year-old after six-hour siege on Central Coast

A 49-year-old man was shot and killed by police on the New South Wales Central Coast after a welfare check at a home in Springfield turned into a protracted standoff, police said. Officers attended the property just after 3.30pm accompanied by a mental health clinician and attempted to speak to the man after concerns were raised about his welfare.

Assistant commissioner David Waddell said the man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects. Police used stun guns and pepper spray in unsuccessful attempts to subdue him, and specialist resources, including tactical operations officers, were called in. Around six hours later, police said, the man lit an aerosol can inside the building.

Officers entered and attempted to engage with him; Waddell said the man armed himself with a sharp object believed to be a shard of glass, "got hold of one of the officers and attempted to stab him a number of times, hitting his protective clothing." A number of police officers then fired shots, hitting the man.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. A police officer sustained minor injuries. The State Crime Command’s homicide squad will lead the investigation, and "there will be a critical incident investigation team that will review the actions of police to ensure they are in line with our policy and legislation," Waddell said.

Key Topics

World, Nsw Police, Springfield, Central Coast, David Waddell, State Crime Command