Central Coast shooting: Person shot after stolen car police chase
Police have shot one person dead and a second is on the run on the Central Coast. A stolen car was tracked, with the help of PolAir, after being involved in an earlier pursuit by police.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Husband missing following death of woman in Wentworthville
- Download our app and stay up to date anywhere, anytime
Police have shot one person dead and a second is on the run on the Central Coast.
A stolen car was tracked, with the help of PolAir, to Minnesota Rd at Warnervale this morning after being involved in an earlier pursuit by police.
New details have emerged about the wild pursuit and fatal police shooting at Hamlyn Terrace on Thursday morning after it was revealed a male and female officer were confronted by a man pointing a double barrel shotgun at them before they drew their firearms and shot him dead.
MORE NEWS
Deer on the loose in Sydney’s CBD
Loneliness is no excuse for Gladys Berejiklian
Sutherland Council remains steadfast on bike track opposition
Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell addressed the media outside Wyong Police Station where he confirmed the offender did not discharge his weapon before he was fatally shot by police.
“I have met with all police involved and I have also been briefed by the forward commander,” he said.
“From my briefing, my view is very clear, the police have acted professionally. In fact I believe their actions have been very courageous considering the actions of the offender.
“Having a double barreled firearm pointed at you, fear of life, there can be no more strenuous position for a police officer to be placed into. They have my full support.”
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said a member of the public was following the stolen vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser, and called police about 9.50am.
It it understood the vehicle was stolen from a nearby construction site and two workers saw the vehicle and pursued it themselves before calling police.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said police became involved in the pursuit, which was “broken” when the Landcruiser rammed the civilian’s vehicle and police lost sight of it as it went down a fire trail onto a rural property.
Two men then allegedly set fire to the Landcruiser before trying to break into a shed.
Assistant Commissioner said the property owner called police who arrived at the scene a few minutes later about 10am.
“When called upon by police the long-arm was beside him, but certainly when he identified the police, he pointed that firearm directly at those officers,” he said.
Police are still searching for a second offender who they fear could also be armed.
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said the identity of the dead man and the other alleged offender were not known
The police helicopter is still hovering low over the area conducting sweeps as dozens of officers and two units from the Dog Squad have arrived on scene.
Minnesota Rd remains blocked off between Warnervale Rd and the Pacific Highway.
Fairmont Boulevard is also blocked off at the intersection of Louisiana Rd.
Warnervale Public school remains in lockdown with one parent saying she only just managed to drop her daughter off.
“I was a little late this morning, I dropped her at the gate and the staff let her in because the school was in lockdown,” she said.
“I saw the detectives and I drove to the end of (Minnesota Rd), did a U-turn at the Copes roundabout and by the time I got to the (Warnervale Rd) end it was all blocked off.”
Other witnesses said the occupants opened fire on police who returned shots, killing one of the men.
The huge police presence has also attracted lots of nearby residents who are watching the drama unfold around them.
“A stolen vehicle was tracked to the location following an earlier pursuit,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Emergency Services are on the scene, road closures are in place and people are urged to avoid the area.”
It is understood a command post has been set up at the Hamlyn Terrace Community Centre with much of the action focused around the intersection of Virginia Rd.