Constable Helen McMurtrie’s partner feels ‘extremely lucky’ shooting wasn’t more serious

A police officer shot in Glen Innes has had six bullet fragments removed from her neck but doctors are unsure whether they can safely remove the remaining shrapnel. Her partner has spoken for the first time to The Daily Telegraph since the shooting revealing their kids don’t know their mum had been shot.

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A police officer shot in Northern NSW has had six bullet fragments removed from her neck but doctors are unsure whether they can safely remove the remaining shrapnel.

Leading Senior Constable Helen McMurtrie’s family and partner, Garry Huard, remained at her bedside at Gold Coast Hospital on Monday while her colleague, Sergeant Mark Johnston, was discharged.

Speaking for the first time since the shooting in Glen Innes, Mr Huard said on Monday Snr Cst McMurtrie was in an induced coma with a decision yet to be made whether remaining shrapnel would be removed or not.

Leading Senior Constable Helen McMurtrie remains in hospital following surgery to remove shrapnel.

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“We consider ourselves extremely lucky considering at the end of the day we have had two police shot in the head and both of them are able to be talking after the incident, which doesn’t happen very often does it?” he said.

“Despite what has happened we are pretty thankful at this stage we might not have too many long lasting injuries to get over.

“Obviously when you have six or seven fragments of bullet thrown around inside your throat there is going to be some damage, it’s just a matter of how much.”

Eric Newman shot at the officer’s when they arrived at his home. Picture: Facebook

Lesley Ann Newman, pictured with twin sister Kim Blythe, broke down as she spoke to The Daily Telegraph. Picture: Julian Andrews

Snr Cst McMurtrie’s four children have no idea their mother has been shot, with her family going to great lengths to keep them away from media reports and social media.

Mr Huard said the children were told Snr Cst McMurtrie was injured at work but planned to tell them more when he returned home to get them ready for school next week.

Mr Huard, who was a police officer of 28 years before his retirement two years ago, had just put his children to bed on Friday night when his phone rang.

It was Probationary Constable Samantha Petty, who told Mr Huard his partner had been shot in the head.

Probationary Constable Samantha Petty has been hailed a hero after dragging Snr Cst McMurtrie behind a police paddy wagon after she was shot.

Sergeant Mark Johnston, who was hit in the cheek by bullet fragments, has been discharged from hospital. Picture: Facebook

Earlier that night, Cst Petty — only four weeks into the job — had shadowed Snr Cst McMurtrie and Sgt Johnston to a domestic incident on Church St.

The officers found Eric Newman, who had tried to strangle his wife, on the balcony of his split-level home holding a rifle.

He fired a shot at police with the bullet hitting Snr Cst McMurtrie in the neck and Sgt Johnston in the face before he turned the gun on himself.

Cst Petty then helped drag Snr Cst McMurtrie out of harm’s way and behind a police paddy wagon on the street.

“When your two senior colleagues were seriously injured, there was expectation to do something”, Mr Huard said. His family was very thankful for the constable’s actions.

After receiving the call, Mr Huard rushed to Glen Innes Hospital and managed to speak with his partner before she was flown to the Gold Coast.

“There is a lot that goes through your mind at that point,” he said.

“I was told initially that she had been subjected to a shot to the head and obviously you prepare for the worse when you hear that kind of news.

“Thankfully when I was able to get there and I found she was still conscious and able to talk so it gives you a bit of confidence as well.”

Eric Newman was standing on his balcony and fired his rifle at police when they arrived. Picture: Julian Andrews

Snr Cst McMurtrie has worked in Glen Innes for eight years and forged close relationships with the Aboriginal community and local youth, including encouraging some students to stay in school with the promise of a McDonald’s lunch at the end of term.

Mr Huard acknowledged the inherent dangers associated with the job, especially in the country where firearms were part of the territory.

“And of course even in the smaller country towns, we have seen plenty of occasions where there have been serious incidents involving police, they are always aware of the dangers,” he said.

“Especially domestic type incidents I suppose there is always that extra element of concern.

“It is certainly surprising of course when you get a call like that. It’s something you always dread.”

Sgt Johnston had moved to Glen Innes from Casino about three years ago.

He was discharged from hospital on Monday after undergoing minor surgery and was reunited with his wife, Chloe, and children.

Originally published as Constable Helen McMurtrie’s partner feels ‘extremely lucky’ shooting wasn’t more serious