The death of a man will be investigated by the New South Wales’ (NSW) State Crime Command Homicide Squad after he was fatally shot by police during a six-hour siege in the Sydney suburb of Springfield.
Around 3.30 p.m. on Jan. 7, police carried out a welfare check on the 49-year-old man residing at a Wells Street home.
“The man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects and a perimeter was established with specialist resources attending to assist,” a statement from NSW Police said.
“Police continued to communicate with the man who refused to cooperate.”
Police say by 9.25 p.m., the man made an attempt to burn a police officer by lighting an aerosol can.
“Officers attached to Tactical Operations Regional Support (TORS) gained entry to the premises before the man armed with himself with a sharp object and stabbed at an officer multiple times,” the statement said.
“Police officers discharged their firearms, and the man was fatally shot.
“A police officer received a minor injury as a result of the incident.”
Paramedics treated the man immediately but he died at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting will be run by the State Crime Command Homicide Squad and will also be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
On Jan. 8, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell called the event a “very tragic set of circumstances.”
“(It’s) very sad for the family and also very tough for our police,” he told media.
