Car crashes into tree north of Yass

NSW police responded to reports that a car had driven into a tree on a road eighty four kilometres north of Yass about two fifty pm on Sunday.

Driver unconscious with firearm in car

Officers found a Chrysler station wagon crashed into a tree with the driver appearing unconscious. Police had been told the man had a firearm with him in the car.

Man picks up loaded rifle

As police approached the vehicle to check on the man's welfare and communicate with him, he did not respond. He then picked up the firearm and pointed it directly at the police officer.

“he took up a firearm in the car and that he was also in the car, not responding to members of the public”

Police open fire on armed man

Police opened fire and the man was struck by a number of rounds. The gun he held was loaded. The police officers were quite close to the car when the shooting occurred.

“police opened fire and he was struck at a number of rounds”

Man dies despite first aid efforts

Police and paramedics tried to render first aid but the man died at the scene. The driver was believed to be aged forty five, was known to police, and had previously been charged with firearm offences.

Independent review launched into shooting

A crime scene was established and an investigation has begun. The investigation will be the subject of an independent review by the professional standards command, overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.