A man armed with a knife has been shot dead by police after a violent sequence of events that began with a woman being stabbed and escalated into a dramatic police pursuit across the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
Early Morning Home Invasion and Stabbing
Emergency services were initially called to a residence on Heath Avenue in Tuncurry, approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Sydney, at around 6.40am on Friday. Reports indicated that a man, armed with both a chainsaw and a knife, had forcibly entered the home.
Upon arrival, police were informed that a 28-year-old woman had been stabbed at the address. The assailant had already fled the scene in a white four-wheel drive vehicle by the time officers arrived. They found the woman suffering from serious injuries.
Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before she was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Her condition was reported as serious but stable.
Dramatic Police Pursuit and Escalation
A short time later, police located the white 4WD on Stewart Parade. A pursuit ensued, during which the vehicle drove through a local sportsground before crashing on the Forster Bridge.
However, when police reached the crashed vehicle at the bridge, they discovered the man had carjacked another car. This stolen vehicle was then used to ram a police car, resulting in minor injuries to one officer.
Second Pursuit and Confrontation
A second police chase followed, continuing into the area of Rainbow Flat. Police allege that during this pursuit, the man drove onto a property, entered a home while still armed with a knife, and attempted to steal yet another vehicle.
He later exited the home and confronted police officers. Authorities allege he then ran to a neighbouring property, prompting officers to deploy a Taser multiple times in an attempt to subdue him.
The armed man allegedly charged at an officer, who subsequently discharged his firearm. Police administered first aid before paramedics arrived, but the man could not be saved.
Investigation and Aftermath
While formal identification is still pending, the man is believed to be 41 years old. A critical incident investigation has been launched and will be led by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
This incident has shocked the local community on the NSW Mid North Coast, raising questions about police procedures and community safety in the region.
