Mackay Sergeant Mitchell Benson awarded for stopping a shooter on Mackay Harbour Beach

The sun had only just risen over Mackay Harbour Beach when a man on drugs began shooting from a sedan bogged in the sand.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mitch Benson at the Mackay District Awards Ceremony 2021. Picture: Lillian Watkins

The sun had only just risen over Mackay Harbour Beach when a man and woman – both on drugs – began shooting from a sedan bogged in the sand.

Members of the public on motorbikes had passed the vehicle along the East Point Drive track and alerted police.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mitchell Benson had only just come on shift when he was called to the dangerous and bizarre scene on January 3, 2020.

He and a duty district officer were the first responders to the scene working quickly to evacuate the area.

Sergeant Benson said police eventually found the vehicle in a “hard to access” area.

The rough road along East Point Drive. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Without knowing when back-up would arrive, he approached the car where the man sat with a firearm across his lap.

While most people would run in the opposite direction of a loaded gun, Sergeant Benson knew he had to act.

“We just had to jump on him and grab it,” he said.

“I was concerned for the safety of the members of the public but you also have that thought about yourself and self-preservation, but that is what our job is, to act in those sorts of events.”

Sergeant Benson was awarded an Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate at the Mackay District Awards Ceremony to recognise his “intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication to duty”.
This was one of the 60 awards given to men and women in the Mackay police service for their dedication, resilience, intelligence and bravery.

Sergeant Marcus Brown was awarded a Superintendent Certificate for his efficient management and facilitation of skills relating to the delivery of Active Armed Offender training. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Superintendent Glenn Morris acknowledged the bravery of all police executing their duties, with a moment of silence for the death of Senior Constable David Masters, who made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty at the weekend.

Superintendent Morris took the opportunity to thank the loved ones of police officers for their continued support.