Police shoot man dead in standoff at Tiaro

Police have shot dead a man in an armed stand off after he had allegedly fired his rifle at his ex-partner and members of the public south of Maryborough.

POLICE have shot dead an armed man who was shooting at police, vehicles and people in Tiaro, north of Brisbane.

Officers were told the man was armed in a vehicle and driving around Tiaro, south of Maryborough, about 8.30pm last night

“Multiple police units, including specialist officers and Polair searched for the man throughout the night and at around 7am this morning police located the man at a house in Glenbar Road, Tiaro,” police said in a statement.

“It will be alleged the man fired at officers and was critically injured when police returned fire. The 40-year-old local man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“This matter is under investigation by Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner. That investigation is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.”

The Special Emergency Response Team shot the man.

Tiaro is 20 minutes drive south of Maryborough.

Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the man appeared to have fired several shots at his ex-partner and her children.

“As a result of that, several more incidents came in after that where shots were allegedly being fired by the same man at a neighbour and also when he attempted to get fuel from another person,” he said.

Police tracked the man to an address today.

Supt Hawkins said the man was in an “elevated position” when police arrived this morning and fired at them and “also charged police with a weapon”.

He confirmed the man had a dispute with his ex-partner last night which led to him firing at her vehicle.

Supt Hawkins said the man was known to police.

“We are very fortunate on this occasion that no police officer has been killed or injured,” he said.

“And similarly the cars of both his ex-partner and also another associate that has also been struck by the weapon that this person has discharged.

Queensland Police Union secretary Mick Barnes said police involved had acted bravely and appropriately.

“The offender, who was earlier involved in a domestic violence incident, was armed with a firearm and was shooting at both members of the public and police which meant police were left with no other option than to act in self-defence and to also protect the public,” he said.

“We are extremely lucky that police and members of the public were not killed or seriously injured by the offender.

“The offender is now deceased.

“We know all police acted appropriately and as such the Ethical Standards Command of the police service are undertaking a routine investigation of the matter and will report to the Coroner.

“I want to acknowledge the brilliant work of all police involved who put themselves in danger to ensure that the public are safe.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them quoting reference: QP1902442615