A 49-year-old man has been shot and killed by police on the New South Wales Central Coast after a welfare check turned into a protracted standoff on Wednesday evening.
Officers attended a home in Springfield just after 3.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by a mental health clinician, and attempted to speak to a man after concerns were raised about his welfare.
However, the man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects, assistant commissioner David Waddell said on Thursday.
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Police used stun guns and pepper spray in unsuccessful attempts to subdue him. Specialist resources, including tactical operations officers, were called in to assist.
Around six hours later, police said, the man lit an aerosol can inside the building. Officers entered the premises and attempted to engage with him.
The man armed himself with a sharp object which police believed was a shard of glass or a similar item, “got hold of one of the officers and attempted to stab him a number of times, hitting his protective clothing”, Waddell said.
A number of police officers then fired shots at the man, hitting him.
The man 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 an investigation into the shooting.
“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.
The incident was a “very tragic set of circumstances” and “very sad for the family and also very tough for our police”, Waddell said, noting the man was known to police but only had a limited history with them.
The investigation was expected to take months to complete.
Police will also prepare a brief for the coroner.
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