Police officers shot, man dead after domestic dispute

A female senior constable was shot in the neck and her male colleague, Sergeant Mark Johnston, was shot in the face after responding to a call for help from Lesley Ann Newman, who had fled her gun-wielding 74-year-old husband Eric, a former trophy hunter, at their home in northern NSW.

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A female senior constable was shot in the neck and her male sergeant colleague shot in the face after responding to a call for help from a woman who had fled her gun-wielding husband, a former trophy hunter, in northern NSW, who was later found dead.

The bloodshed broke out after the officers were called out to a property on Church St, Glen Innes, at 9.50pm on Friday.

Forensic police enter the house where the officers were shot. Picture: Frank Redward

Police forensic officers examine the officers’ guns at the scene. Picture: Julian Andrews

The injured officers have been identified as Sergeant Mark Johnston and Senior Constable Helen McMurtrie.

Both were flown to Gold Coast Hospital in a stable condition, with the female officer said to be serious.

Sergeant Mark Johnston was shot in the face at Glen Innes. Picture: Facebook

Police said a third officer, a female probationary constable, was uninjured.

Specialist officers later found the body of a 74-year-old Eric John Newman at the home.

Newman was a registered gun owner and keen trophy hunter who moved to the area about 10 years ago after retiring.

It is understood his wife, Lesley Ann Newman, 59, was found nearby with minor injuries after pleading with neighbours for help.

NSW Police Western Region commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said there had earlier been a brief conversation before the man opened fire at police.

“A shot was fired and as a result two police officers received injuries to the head and neck,” he said.

“The male was located shortly after the original shooting and he appeared to be suffering a gun shot wound and was deceased at the address.”

It is not clear how many shots were fired but ballistics officers who arrived at the scene this morning were investigating.

Lesley Ann Newman suffered minor injuries at the hands of her husband Eric John Newman, who was found dead at their Glen Innes property.

Mr McKechnie said police were thankful the officers did not suffer far more serious consequences.

“The original job came over as a fairly standard job but having said that police treat all reports of domestic violence incidents very seriously,” he said.

“Given the uncertain world we live in police got out there everyday not knowing what they are going to encounter.”

A neighbour said there had never been any sign of trouble from the Newmans’ home.

“I’ve been over there a number of times to help with things like reloading ammunition,” a neighbour said.

“He was a keen trophy hunter and had a lot of taxidermy in his house — giraffes, bears, you name it.

“He did a lot of game shooting in Africa — it was all legal done the right way.

“They moved from outside Glen Innes because they liked the area.”

The officers were called out to a property on Church St at 9.50pm on Friday. Picture: Frank Redward

Police at the scene of the shooting today. Picture: Frank Redward

Neighbour, Daryl Craig, said he initially thought the incident was drunks fighting in the street, but soon realised the situation was much worse.

“I had just gone to bed and I heard ‘Put the gun down, put the gun down’,” Mr Craig said.

“I heard a bang and then another bang,” Mr Craig said.

He looked out and saw police “dragging one of their coppers towards their car”.

Then another cop car turned up followed by others and ambulances, Mr Craig said.

Mr Craig said his wife worked at the local McDonald’s and was familiar with the female police officer who ate there.

“It’s a pretty close knit community,” Mr Craig said.

Police officers piece together what happened at the scene. Picture: Julian Andrews

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. Picture: Frank Redward

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

A crime scene has been established at the home which will be examined by forensic specialists.

A Critical Incident Investigation Team from Western Region will investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.

Acting President of the Police Association of NSW, Kevin Morton, said incidents like this show just how much danger police officers face.

“Incidents like this are a stark reminder of the dangers our police officers face every day in order to keep our community safe,” Mr Morton said.

“The Association is currently providing all the assistance we can to the officers, their families and also to their police colleagues.”