Drouin shooting: Coroner probes Ben Madex police shooting death

A coroner will probe what issues may have impacted a Victorian man who police fatally shot when he came at them with a knife earlier this year.

The scene of the police shooting in Drouin on January 21, 2021. Picture : Nicki Connolly

A carjacker police fatally shot after he came at them with a knife may have been struggling with mental health issues, a court has been told.

Morwell man Benjamin Madex died when police shot him twice after he came at them with a knife at Drouin in Gippsland in January this year.

The 31-year-old’s death is being probed by Coroner John Cain who headed a directions hearing on Thursday.

Police shooting victim Ben Madex, 31, and his sister Jodie Madex.

“We will examine his mental health at the time of the incident,” counsel assisting Sam Brown told the court.

Statements from civilian and police witnesses about the shooting will also be presented.

Mr Madex threatened the driver of a silver Audi with a “large knife” before he stole the car and drove erratically through Morwell, Traralgon and Churchill on January 21, Ms Brown told the court.

He was seen speeding and a police car tried to stop him on Princes Way near Drouin, but officers called it off after eight seconds when the car crossed onto the wrong side of the road, she said.

The driver ended up in a dead end at Drouin where police cars tried to corner him, but Mr Madex manoeuvred around them and sped off.

The scene at Drouin where police shot Ben Madex. Picture: Nicki Connolly

But he crashed into an oncoming Holden and got out of the car and headed towards the other car armed with the blade, Ms Brown said.

“The police called out to Ben to drop the knife, and he turned towards the police members,” she said.

The officers told him to drop the weapon again, but he headed towards them and two shots were fired. Mr Madex died at the scene.

The court was told Mr Madex had a violent, criminal history and also had substance abuse issues.

The evidence brief is expected to be ready at the end of June this year, and the case has been adjourned for a later date.