Queensland police have fatally shot a gunman after a stand-off at Ipswich, southwest of Brisbane.
Officers freed a woman as they attempted to negotiate with the 27-year-old man before it’s alleged he made threats and was shot on Sunday.
He was treated at the scene but was unable to be revived.
Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner David Cuskelly described the incident as a “tragedy” and said the officers involved had made concerted efforts to negotiate.
“[It’s] just a reminder of the dynamic nature and the dangerous nature of policing,” Mr Cuskelly said.
“Everyone tries to get through their service without having to use that deadly force.”
The male officers involved had less than five years experience and Mr Cuskelly said they were “extremely shaken up” but getting support.
Authorities declared an emergency situation at One Mile at about 11.15am on Sunday after reports of a man with a firearm.
Residents were warned to stay inside their homes as police negotiators made contact with the man who was outside the residence with the woman.
Mr Cuskelly said a woman at the scene with the gunman was rendered safe by police and her relationship with the man would be investigated.
It was after this that negotiations broke down. The man drew his firearm on police who shot him at about 12.30pm on Sunday.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said shootings were “extremely traumatic” for police.
“When they attend to a situation like this, they always try to use the least amount of force possible,” Mr Leavers said.
“You may go through a 40-year career and never use your firearm.”
He said police used their guns to protect themselves and the public and it was “very fortunate no police were murdered” on Sunday.
The Ethical Standards Command will investigate the shooting on behalf of the Queensland coroner.
“It’s really important that the police work really hard to find answers, specifically for the family of the man who has died,” Mr Cuskelly said.
Police declared Ernest and Woodford streets crime scenes and public access was restricted on Sunday.
