A man has been shot dead by police in regional New South Wales (NSW) after allegedly aiming a loaded rifle at officers. Police were responding to reports that a car had crashed into a tree on a road 84km north of Yass on Sunday at approximately 2:50pm.
Officers found a Chrysler station wagon that had crashed, with the driver appearing unconscious. Police had received information that the man had a firearm in the car, according to Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty.
Police approached the vehicle to check on the man's welfare and offer medical assistance, but he did not respond. The man then allegedly picked up the firearm and pointed it directly at a police officer, prompting officers to open fire. The man was struck by a number of rounds and died at the scene, despite attempts at first aid by police and paramedics.
The gun the man held was confirmed to be loaded. The driver, believed to be 45 years old, was known to police and had previously faced firearm charges, though he has not yet been formally identified.
A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway. This investigation will be subject to an independent review by the professional standards command, overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.