Tasmania Police officer shot dead, another injured on regional property

A police officer has been shot dead while trying to serve a court ordered warrant at a remote property, in what has been called a tragic day for the force.

A police officer has been shot dead at a regional property in Tasmania’s north while trying to issue a warrant to repossess the house.

The unnamed 57-year-old constable, a 25-year veteran of the Tasmanian Police force, was killed in the state’s first fatal police shooting since 1999.

Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams said his death was a “tragic and devastating day for Tasmania Police”.

“All Tasmania police officers stand together in shock and in grief,” Commissioner Adams told reporters.

The name of the dead officer has not yet been released at the request of his family.

Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams has provided an updated after an officer was shot dead on duty. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

She said the officers had gone to the rural property on Allison Road in North Motton near Ulverstone about 11am on Monday to serve a court approved warrant.

“The occupant of the residence was present at the time that police arrived and sometime between the police officer leaving his police vehicle and making his way toward the front of the residence, he was fatally shot,” she said

She said a number of other officers from the Special Operations Group were also attending to support the front line officers who had the lead in serving the warrant.

The shooting happened on Monday afternoon

They SOG officers were at the end of the long driveway near the gate.

“Once they heard the shots and … the special operations group responded in a front line response,” Commissioner Adams said.

“They were also threatened by the offender and they shot the offender in the hand before making an arrest.

“I can’t say what the officers were thinking at the time of the incident but they would have taken all the precautions that they needed to in attending the house.

“They’ve attended over 800 job in support of front line and on this occasion they were completely shocked by what was a routine incident for our police officers to have been confronted with.”

Commissioner Adams praised the dead constable’s partner, a sergeant.

“It’s incredible to really reflect and think that particular police officer wasn’t also in a situation of danger and peril for him to be able to call for assistance as he did,”

“I’m sure he has enabled the Special Operations Group to make a swift arrest and to also limit any other concern to safety for those officers and people that were in attendance.”

“The police officer was critically injured and died at the scene. The alleged offender was not seriously injured.”

Police on the scene near a property in Tasmania’s north west where a police officer was shot dead on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

The 57-year-old constable was shot dead while attempting to serve a warrant. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

A crime scene has been established, and Allison Road is currently manned by police at the intersections of Walkers Road, Preston Road and Saltmarshs Road.

“This is a traumatic incident and wellbeing support is being provided to those involved and affected,” Tasmania Police said.

A full Professional Standards investigation is underway, as is standard in a shooting involving a police officer.

The coroner has been notified and is attending the scene.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has paid tribute to the slain officer on social media.

“It is with enormous sadness that I can confirm a Tasmania Police officer has lost their life today in the line of duty,” Mr Rockliff said.

“To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues

“The love of an entire state is with you today.

“And you will have every possible support made available, as we come to grips with this heartbreaking tragedy.”

It is with enormous sadness that I can confirm a Tasmania Police officer has lost their life today in the line of duty.

Tasmania Police will have more to say shortly, however I just wanted to say this.

To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his…

— Jeremy Rockliff (@jeremyrockliff) June 16, 2025

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis also expressed his condolences.

“Today is a dark day for our police force and wider community,” Mr Ellis said.

“Tasmania Police is a family – and this sends shockwaves right through our community.

“Our hearts go out to the officer’s loved ones, our north west community, and our Tasmania Police family.

“Many will be hurting today, and I encourage those impacted to seek support.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he was “saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a Tasmanian police officer in the line of duty today”.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and community.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said he was “saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a Tasmanian police officer in the line of duty today”.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and community.”

Originally published as Tasmania Police officer shot dead, another injured on regional property