Launceston police shooting: Officers shoot dead man who threatened public with a knife
A man who was armed with a knife and threatening members of the public has been shot dead by police in a horrifying incident in the Launceston CBD.
Officers responding to an emergency call from a member of the public about 10am on Tuesday found the man on St Johns Street armed with a knife and making threats.
Police say officers attempted to negotiate with the man.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Initial investigations indicate the man ignored repeated warnings by police to disarm,” Tasmania police wrote in a statement.
“OC spray was deployed, however the man continued to advance towards police. A number of shots were fired by two attending police officers – with two shots hitting the armed man in the chest.”
The man was taken to the Launceston General Hospital in a critical condition. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
A police officer at the scene received a non life-threatening bullet wound during the incident and is receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the man, who was known to police, initially threatened people at a business and then on the street but it is not known whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Mr Bodnar said the officers implemented their training, which involved shooting the “largest mass” to stop the threat, after doing their best to negotiate.
“As the threats continued towards our police officers they used a less-than-lethal option trying to diffuse the situation. For whatever reason that hasn’t worked,” he told reporters.
“They’ve (then) resulted in lethal force. Lethal force for a police officer is a very last option. This is not an outcome we want to see.”
No other people were injured in the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A Professional Standards investigation is underway and police are in the process of notifying the man’s next of kin.
“This is a traumatic incident and a tragic outcome that no one wanted. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” the police statement read.
“It is an extremely difficult time for the officers involved and their families, and we have put support plans in place for them.
“Policing can be a challenging and dangerous profession, and we are ensuring the officers are being provided with wellbeing support.”
A crime scene has been established and St Johns Street between William and Cimitiere Streets and Cimitiere Street between Charles and St Johns Streets will remain closed until further notice.
The Coroner has been notified and is at the scene. The Integrity Commission has also been notified.
Anyone with information should contact Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
— With AAP
