Man in siege shot dead by police was wielding butcher’s knife

Police fired Taser shots at a man wielding a butcher’s knife at a home on the mid north coast before shooting him dead at the end of a nine-hour siege.

Police fired Taser shots at a man wielding a butcher’s knife at a home on the mid north coast before shooting him dead at the end of a nine-hour siege.

Todd McKenzie, 40, was shot by a “highly trained” officer inside the home on Robertson St, Taree after an altercation with neighbours prompted the marathon stand-off on Wednesday.

Todd McKenzie, 40, was shot by police in Taree after a nine-hour siege.

Police who responded just after 1pm to a concern for welfare report about a man arguing with his neighbours quickly called in Tactical Operations officers and police negotiators to deal with the situation.

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When negotiation with McKenzie staffed about 10.15pm, officers forced their way into the house and found Mr McKenzie brandishing a butcher’s knife.

He was shot with a Taser and then a gun and later died in Manning Base Hospital.
Mr McKenzie’s aunt Francene Reo the family was “absolutely devastated”.

Police shot the man after he came at them with a large knife at Taree. Picture: Ten News

“It was something we believe didn’t need to happen, absolutely didn’t need to happen,” Ms Reo told reporters.
“Toddie was just a great country kid. I think everybody understands that when you have mental health issues there are occasions when you don’t cope as well as everybody else.

“But from the time he was a little boy he was the bravest little boy. He was a gentle music-loving, very talented, artistic, nice kid.

The 40-year-old barricaded himself inside the home on Roberston St for nine hours. Picture: 7News

“And to be honest with you, the last 12-18 months he had been doing exceptionally well.”

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said police went into the house because they were concerned for Mr McKenzie’s own safety.

“Negotiations had stalled, police did have concerns for welfare of the male inside the house,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

“When police went to the front door of that house they were confronted by the male who was armed with what’s best described as a large butcher’s knife.

“None-lethal tactics by tactical police were utilised, which included the use of tasers.

“All non-lethal actions were ineffective and unfortunately and tragically this man was shot as a result of the conflict by a police officer.”

Specialist police forced open the door, attempted to Taser the man before shooting him. Picture: 7News

“I can say tactical police, they’re highly trained and highly skilled … I know this officer has been highly trained both in Sydney and in regional NSW.

“This is a tragic and unfortunate incident. No one likes to see this outcome … certainly it is tragic and unfortunate for the deceased’s family.”

Both the actions of police and the deceased are now at the centre of a critical incident investigation being carried out by the Homicide Squad.