Junction Street Family Practice, Nowra: Armed man shot dead by police in medical clinic

An armed man has been shot dead by police outside a NSW medical clinic, as witnesses say they heard gunshots ring out across the town as cops swarmed the front of the business.

An armed man has been shot by police outside a medical centre on the state’s south coast, as witnesses described gunfire ringing out across the CBD as police swarmed the practice.

Just before 1pm on Wednesday, police were called to the Junction Street Family Practice medical clinic at Nowra, after reports a 34-year-old patient produced a semi-automatic handgun.

Police say four people were able to escape the doctors surgery, leaving the gunman alone and conversing with police.

Police were locked in negotiations with the 34-year-old man for nearly two hours before officers opened fire on the street, after the man left the office and waved his weapon at the officers.

Junction Street Family Practice

Employees from surrounding businesses told The Daily Telegraph police urged them to lock their doors and stay inside before the man – armed with a firearm – came out of the premises and confronted officers at about 2.40pm.

He was shot before immediately being treated by officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene.

While he is yet to be formally identified, it’s understood the man was known to the clinic.

One witness, who did not wish to be named, said tactical teams swarmed the front of the medical practice while police told neighbouring businesses to take shelter.

Nearby businesses said they were forced to lock their doors.

“There were a lot of shots, a lot of really loud bangs,” one business owner said. “It was really scary stuff, we didn’t know what to do.

“It was like a movie.”

The witness said they remained locked inside neighbouring buildings while police secure the scene.

Southern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter said the 34-year-old man had been in a consultation with a doctor when he became agitated.

“During conversations with the doctor the man has become very agitated and spoken many alarming things,” Assistant Commissioner Cotter said.

“The conversation was agitated, the conversation was confrontational and thereafter the man produced a gun.”A critical incident team from the State Crime Command Homicide Squad will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review.

Assistant Commissioner Cotter said the investigation would largely surround how the man was able to obtain the firearm and what exactly led up to the tense engagement.

Police are also appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.