Tasmania breaking news: A man who was allegedly making threats with a knife in public has been shot dead by police
Tasmania Police confirm a man who was armed with a knife and making threats was shot dead by officers. WATCH HERE >>
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Knife-wielding man shot dead by police
UPDATE 2.30PM: A knife-wielding man has been shot dead by police in Launceston’s CBD on Tuesday morning, police confirm.
At least four shots can be heard from footage on Facebook from a passerby during the serious incident on Cimitiere St. Police cars can be seen swarming the scene of the incident.
The first shot was fired followed by shouts of “get on the ground” then 22 seconds later three more shots were heard within an eight second period.
On Tuesday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said police responded to reports of a man threatening members of the public in the city.
“Upon police arrival, officers attempted to negotiate with the man, who was armed with a knife and making threats,” he said.
“Initial investigations indicate the man ignored repeated warnings by police to disarm.
“OC spray was deployed, however the man continued to advance towards police. A number of shots were fired by two attending police officers – with two shots hitting the armed man in the chest.
“The man was immediately provided with first aid at the scene and was taken to the Launceston General Hospital in a critical condition. He was pronounced deceased a short time later.”
He told a press conference that the man was known to police.
He said that another police officer also at the scene was being treated in hospital for a bullet injury during the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said he didn’t know if the officers was injured by a stray bullet or otherwise.
He said normal procedures would be followed with a full professional standards investigation underway.
The man’s next of kin is being notified, police say.
The investigation will now include the preparation of a report for the Coroner.
“This is a traumatic incident and a tragic outcome that no one wanted. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
“It is an extremely difficult time for the officers involved and their families, and we have put support plans in place for them.
“Policing can be a challenging and dangerous profession, and we are ensuring the officers are being provided with wellbeing support.”
A crime scene has been established to allow investigations to be undertaken, and St Johns Street between William and Cimitiere Streets and Cimitiere Street between Charles and St Johns Streets remain closed until further notice.
“Police would like to thank the local community for their assistance as we carry out our investigations. We appreciate their patience and understanding,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
UPDATE 11.12am: Police confirm a man, who was allegedly armed and threatening members of the public, was critically injured and has been rushed to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.
A police officer was also reportedly injured, receiving non-life-threatening injuries, and has also been taken by paramedics to the LGH.
Officers say no other people were injured in the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
Sections of the road remain closed off while a crime scene is being established.
December 3, 10.45am: Emergency services swarmed a city street after reports an armed man was threatening members of the public.
The serious incident at St Johns St, Launceston was first reported about 10.05am.
Police confirmed the alleged armed man and a police officer were injured during the incident.
The suspect has reportedly suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the scene, police say.
While there is no ongoing threat to the wider community, police have shut down a section of St Johns St between William and Cimitiere Sts, and Cimitiere St between Charles and St Johns Sts.
Two separate “deliberately-lit” fires being investigated
Monday, December 2, 10.41am: Tasmania Police are investigating two separate “deliberately-lit” fires and calling for any witnesses or further information relating to the fires.
On Monday morning, police stated that they were examining the circumstances of a deliberately-lit house fire at Gagebrook on Saturday night, resulting in significant damage.
The Tasmania Fire Service were called to the vacant home on Thistle Street, Gagebrook at 11.15pm Saturday, but found no one inside the home at the time of the fire.
Earlier on Monday, police said they would also investigate a deliberately-lit vehicle fire in Claremont at 12.25am on Tuesday, November 26.
Emergency services responded to reports of the fire on Cadbury Road, where the vehicle was found well-alight and unoccupied with no injuries reported.
Two people wearing dark clothing were seen in the area at the time of the fire before leaving the scene and heading towards a nearby shopping centre.
Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage at the time of the Claremont or Gagebrook fires is urged to contact Glenorchy Police on 131 444.
Hazardous material on Hobart’s waterfront
5.38pm: A 10,000l container of jet fuel is believed to have spilt inside the Macquarie Point wharf area on Sunday afternoon, prompting evacuations of workers from the site.
Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service are attending the spill incident on Hunter Street, Hobart, where a 300m exclusion zone has been set from the spill zone.
This falls within the fenced area of the wharf zone and nearby businesses have not been evacuated.
It is not yet known who owns the container or the cause for the spill.
Fuel has not spilt into the water.
TFS are encouraging the general public to avoid the area where possible.
People in the immediate area should stay indoors, close all doors, windows, and vents, and turn air conditioners to recirculate or off.
Further flood advice issued for Macquarie and South Esk Rivers
3.18pm: The Tasmanian SES has issued a Flood Advice warning for some towns along the South Esk and Macquarie Rivers on Sunday afternoon, with flooding risk predicted for the following 24 hours.
Communities in Perth, Millers Bluff, Longford, Chatswood, Woolmers, Cressy, Cressy Pumps and surrounds should monitor conditions, with flooding in nearby streams and rivers likely.
For flood warning updates, head to TasALERT.com
Charges laid against driver caught twice driving while five times legal limit
12.46pm: A 44-year-old woman from Deloraine has been caught twice in 12 hours drink driving more than five times the legal alcohol limit.
Tasmania Police intercepted a vehicle in Deloraine on Friday night, reporting that the driver returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.270 – more than five times the
legal limit.
The woman was arrested and charged with drink driving and immediately
disqualified from driving for two years.
Yet, less than twelve hours later at 11.00am on Saturday, police received reports of
an SUV driving dangerously in the Deloraine area.
Police investigations revealed it was the same vehicle intercepted on Friday night and
was allegedly being driven by the same woman.
The woman was arrested and returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.258 – five
times the legal limit again.
Inspector Grant Twining said it is disappointing and inexcusable that some
members of the public continue to ignore the drink driving laws and put
themselves, their family and the rest of the community at risk.
“Our message cannot be clearer – you cannot drive safely if you have been
drinking. If you want to drink alcohol, then do not drive,” he said.
She was charged with a range of offences, including drink driving and driving
whilst disqualified and was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
If anyone witnesses drink driving, or other dangerous driving behaviours, call
police on 131 444 or triple-zero (000) in an emergency.
SES crews busy with 11 assistance requests
10.19am: Tasmanian SES crews have responded to 11 requests for assistance as predicted severe weather battered the state.
“Rainfall totals of 207.4mm in Gray, 174.2mm at St Patricks Head and 98.8mm at St Helens were recorded overnight and there are currently seven warnings across the state with one Flood Watch and Act Warning for South Esk River, and six Flood Advice Warnings for St Paul’s River, East Coast from Ansons Bay to Buckland, Ringarooma River, North Esk River, Lake River, and the River Derwent,” said State Commander Chris Irvine.
“Tasmania SES will continue to monitor rivers and the weather situation and are reminding people to keep up to date with the latest advice and warnings by visiting TasALERT.com or ABC local radio.
“If you’re driving on the roads, slow down, and be alert for fallen trees, hazards and debris.
“Our SES crews remain ready to help. Their assistance can be requested by calling 132 500 and in an emergency people should always phone triple-0 (000).”
Two men rescued overnight from vessel in “severe conditions”
10.07am: Two men in their 40s were rescued by Tasmania Police on Saturday night in large swells and 40-knot wind gusts that caused two vessels to abandon previous rescue attempts.
The pair’s vessel ran out of fuel near The Lanterns at Cape Hauy in the southeast.
Police Marine and Rescue Services responded at about 7:45pm on Saturday when a
distress call was made via marine radio.
Several resources were dispatched from Fortescue Bay, including Tasmania
Parks and Wildlife and police vessels, but both were forced to abandon
efforts due to dangerous conditions, including large swells, driving rain and
strong gusty easterly winds.
The men in the vessel were directed by police to activate their EPIRB as
police held grave concerns the vessel would be forced against the rugged
shoreline.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) dispatched a rescue jet to
maintain communications and support the operation.
Tasmania Police Vessel Dauntless was deployed, enduring treacherous
weather with 40-knot wind gusts and large swells, the crew reaching the
vessel at about 3:15am where they rescued the two men.
The pair were transported to Port Arthur where they were assessed by
Ambulance Tasmania.
Due to the severe conditions, the vessel could not be recovered.
Inspector Stephen Watson commended the men for carrying essential safety
equipment, including the EPIRB, which played a crucial role in their rescue.
“This rescue highlights the importance of checking the weather forecast, not to
venture out if adverse conditions are expected, and to ensure more than
adequate fuel is allowed for,” he said.
“Boaters must always prioritise safety to prevent putting themselves and their
rescuers in danger.”
Flooding alerts issued for north east Tasmania
December 1, 8.20am: Flood Watch and Act alerts have been issued for northeast Tasmania in the early morning of Sunday as a low trough continues to sweep the state, bringing with it heavy rainfall.
Tasmania SES released the Flood Watch and Act for St Marys, Royal George, Avoca and surrounds at 3am, predicting heavy flooding during the next six hours to 9am.
“Flooding is likely in streams and rivers,” an SES spokesperson said.
“Lives could be at risk from flood waters.
“Some properties may become isolated or inundated by flood waters.
“Evacuation of some properties may be required.
“Property, livestock, equipment, and crops may be threatened by flood waters.
“Driving conditions may be dangerous.”
The SES advised residents to use their flood emergency plan and begin preparing their property, including securing livestock, furniture and other possessions and preparing an emergency kit.
An evacuation centre is open at the St Marys Community Hall on 23 Main Street, St Marys.
Flood advice alerts have been issued for Ansons Bay to Bicheno, Orford to Buckland and surrounding low lying areas, Derby, Branxholm and surrounds, Campbell Town, Barton and surrounds, Ross and surrounds, Corra Linn, Relbia, St Leonards, Norwood, Ravenswood, Mowbray, Millers Bluff, Cressy and surrounds and Bothwell, Ouse, Hamilton and surrounds.
If conditions worsen and safe to do so, leave and go to the home of a family member or friend who is in a safe location away from the flood affected area.
Contact family, friends, and neighbours to alert them of the potential for flooding.
For flood updates, visit TasALERT.com.
Mountain bike rider airlifted to hospital
3.30pm: A mountain bike rider has been airlifted to hospital after a crash in southern Tasmania.
Police and emergency services responded to the crash at Maydena on Saturday.
A police spokesman said the rider had serious injuries and is being flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital by the Westpac Rescue helicopter for treatment.
No further details have been released.
Teenager charged with wounding after alleged incident at fast food outlet
3.30pm: A 15-year-old youth is in custody and has been charged with wounding after an alleged incident at a Rosny fast food outlet on Monday night.
Police said the 15-year-old victim was treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital and has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
The alleged offender has been detained and was expected to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Court on Saturday night.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR: 759805.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl was charged on Friday following an alleged wounding incident at the Rosny bus mall on Monday.
Man suspected of illegally euthanising bull at public event
November 30, 8.30am: A 34-year-old man is being accused of illegally euthanising a bull at a public event earlier this month.
Police have summonsed the Meander Valley man for multiple offences including animal cruelty and discharging a firearm in a public space.
Police said officers executed a search warrant at a northern Tasmanian home on Friday morning as part of the investigation into the alleged incident at Gladstone on November 2.
Officers allege seizing 30 firearms during the raid.
Police say a 62-year-old Meander Valley man will also be summonsed for multiple firearms-related offences as a result of the search.
Booze, clothes, electronics: Teens allegedly go on stealing spree
11am: Police believe four teenagers have committed 96 shop stealing offences across greater Hobart over the past month.
Inspector Jason Klug said police would allege the teens stole $8525 worth of alcohol, clothes, cosmetics, perfume and electronics.
He confirmed the offences happened in Moonah, New Town, Rosny, Sandy Bay, Glenorchy, North Hobart, Hobart and Lutana.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with three counts of stealing and trespassing and two bail offences.
A 13-year-old girl faces charges for six counts of stealing and a bail offence.
Another 13-year-old girl has been charged with ten counts of stealing, three counts of trespassing, one attempted stealing and sixteen bail offences. She was denied bail by police and will face Hobart Youth Justice Court on Friday.
While a 15-year-old boy, also denied bail, was charged with 13 counts of stealing, one trespassing and 37 bail offences.
Tasmania Police did not specify if the teenagers worked independently or together, however said the arrests were made by police from task force saturate and Glenorchy uniform.
“Tasmania Police remains committed to protecting the community and local businesses by preventing and detecting anti-social and criminal behaviour to make public spaces safer,” Inspector Klug said.
“The community deserves to feel safe at home, in public, and at work. Police will continue to target anti-social and criminal behaviour and, when necessary, charge offenders and bring them before a Magistrate.”
Charges laid after alleged wounding incident at bus mall
November 29, 9.30am: A 15-year-old girl has been charged following an alleged wounding incident at Rosny bus mall on Monday.
Police report responding quickly to the incident and arresting and charging the teenager at the scene.
Officers believe the two people involved were known to one another.
The teenager was charged with wounding and has appeared before the Youth Justice Division of the Hobart Magistrates Court.
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