Police shoot at man allegedly holding a gun during a prolonged siege in Parap

A police officer fired at a man alleged to present an “imminent threat” with a firearm during a lengthy standoff at a Top End residence. Read what happened.

A member of the police force shot at a man after he allegedly threatened Northern Suburbs residents with a firearm.

Police received reports a man was threatening residents with a firearm around Sommerville Gardens in Parap about 5.50pm Thursday.

Police negotiators and the Territory Response Group were deployed to the area and a cordon was formed around the unit.

The man allegedly left his unit with the firearm in hand about 8pm, a couple of hours into the standoff, prompting an officer to fire a single shot in his direction.

The man then re-entered his unit with what they’ve since confirmed to be a replica firearm, leading to prolonged negotiations.

The scene where a police officer shot at a man with a replica gun in Parap. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Police safely apprehended him about 5am Friday after he once again exited the residence.

He is currently receiving a mental and physcial health assessment and no injuries have been reported.

The man of east-Timorese background is generally known to police.

Police said initial information indicated the discharge of the police firearm was done in accordance with policy and training.

The firearm discharge is being treated as a serious custody incident, and will be investigated by the Professional Standards Command.

Witnesses said they thought the gun shots sounded like fireworks at first as they overheard the long standoff.

The scene where a police officer shot at a man with a replica gun in Parap. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Assistant Commissioner Matthew Hollamby said the shot had been fired as the man presented an “imminent threat”

“The man came out of his unit with a firearm, he raised that firearm and a shot was fired at him, it was not a warning shot,” he said.

“That shot did not hit the man and the initial indications was the actions were in accordance with police procedure.

Assistant Commissioner Matthew Hollamby addresses the press after a police officer shot at a man in Parap. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Police were in fear of the threat the man posed with a firearm.

“As part of the negotiations he surrendered a firearm, it was a replica firearm.”

Deputy Commissioner Martin Dole said the incident highlights the risks police officers face every day while on the job.

“I support the actions of the members in keeping the public safe in difficult and dangerous circumstances,” he said.