Updated ,first published
A man believed to be experiencing a mental health episode has been shot dead by police at the end of an almost six-hour siege on the state’s Central Coast, having barricaded himself in a home after being Tased and pepper-sprayed by officers.
A critical incident has been declared and an investigation by homicide detectives is under way, with oversight from the state’s police watchdog.
NSW Police said in a statement the man tried to burn officers with an aerosol can and was attempting to stab tactical police when he was shot.
The incident began about 3.30pm on Wednesday when police went to a home on Wells Street, Springfield to check on a man after reports of concern for his welfare.
Police said a 49-year-old man at the home, armed with a screwdriver and other sharp objects, refused to co-operate with officers at the scene. A perimeter was set up and specialist officers called in.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said a mental health clinician attended along with police, and officers had tried to engage with the man using non-lethal force.
“They did deploy some non-lethal use of force in terms of Taser and OC spray, unsuccessfully.
“He got himself back inside those premises and barricaded himself inside.”
Tactical teams and negotiators were called in as police contained the premises.
The siege lasted several hours before police forced entry to the home after the man tried to burn an officer by lighting an aerosol can at about 9.25pm.
“They have engaged with him, they have deployed again, some non-lethal use of force, which was unsuccessful.
“He has got hold of one of the officers and attempted to stab him a number of times, hitting his protective clothing.
“As a result a number of officers have discharged their firearms, and they have fatally injured that person,” Waddell said.
Paramedics were present and treated the man, but he died at the scene.
The officer attacked received a “very slight laceration” from what is believed to be “a shard of glass or similar”.
The man “had a very limited history” with police and is believed to have been experiencing a mental health episode.
“There was definitely concerns for his welfare, and [police] went there with a mental health clinician,” Waddell said.
Homicide detectives are investigating the incident, with their investigation to be reviewed by the NSW Police Professional Standards Command with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
“There will be a critical incident investigation team that will review the actions of police to ensure that they are in line with our policy and legislation,” Waddell said.
The investigation will take “months and months” and will also go to the coroner for a probe into the “very tragic set of circumstances,” Waddell said.
Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
