Vaughn Scott Cummings: NSW Police manhunt ends in alleged fatal baseball bat citizen’s arrest in Murwillumbah
A wanted criminal, who police had warned the public not to approach, has died after an alleged citizen’s arrest involving two men and a baseball bat in a park.
A months-long police search for a wanted man has ended after an alleged citizens arrest involving a baseball bat that left the criminal dead.
Vaughn Scott Cummings, 34, had been the subject of an ongoing police search, repeated public warnings issued urging residents not to approach him.
It is understood that on April 8, two men attempted to detain Cummings, with an alleged fatal incident soon following.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police say the two men contacted authorities after reporting that Cumming was displaying suspicious behaviour near a home in Bray Park, outside Murwillumbah.
When police arrived at the scene, Cummings was found on the footpath with critical injuries following an altercation.
Emergency responders treated the man at the scene before he was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in a life-threatening condition. He died on Friday evening.
The Daily Telegraph reported that police sources confirmed a baseball bat was located at the scene and is believed to have been used during the incident. No charges have been laid.
“A male was seen to be acting suspiciously by a couple of concerned neighbours, and as a result of that, they have gone out and confronted the male,” Detective Inspector Gary Shehan said.
“We know that an altercation has taken place, and as a result of that altercation, the male that was acting suspiciously was found to be sustaining some very, very serious life threatening injuries.
“As a result of that an off-duty police officer and ambulance personnel have done what they can to resuscitate him.”
Strike Force Raison has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the actions of those involved in attempting to detain the wanted man.
Detectives had been searching for Cummings for several months over numerous outstanding warrants and had issued alerts across communities, including Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, warning the public not to engage with him.
“We know the person that was acting suspiciously has come under police notice on many, many occasions,” Det Insp Shehan said.
“We were actively conducting investigations to try and apprehend him because we knew he had those 12 outstanding warrants.”
Police confirmed officers had encountered Cummings the day before the fatal incident but were unable to take him into custody at the time.
“The last interaction with him was the day previously however, he managed to escape despite the best efforts of police in the area,” Det Insp Shehan said.
An extensive crime scene was established across Bray Park as investigators examined nearby homes and vehicles as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Police have reiterated that members of the public should avoid confronting wanted individuals and instead contact authorities.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
