Man shot dead by police after ‘breaking into woman’s home with chainsaw’ | World | News

A man has been fatally shot by police after a woman was stabbed, in a spree that allegedly saw him break into multiple homes and hijack a car. The man is said to have forced his way into the woman’s home armed with a chainsaw and knife on Friday morning, 6 February.

En route to the scene, officers were informed that a woman had been stabbed and a man had absconded from the property in a white four-wheel drive.

Upon arrival, officers found a 28 year old woman with severe injuries. She received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police spotted the four-wheel drive shortly afterwards on nearby Stewart Parade and initiated a chase. During the pursuit, the vehicle drove through a sports ground before reportedly crashing on Forster Bridge.

Police rushed to the bridge and located the 4WD, but were informed the man had hijacked another vehicle which subsequently rammed a police vehicle. An officer sustained minor injuries.

The chase continued to Idlewood Drive in Rainbow Flat where the man drove onto a property and entered a house, still armed with a knife, before attempting to steal another vehicle.

He left the house shortly afterwards and confronted the police, leading to officers deploying a taser in an attempt to apprehend him. However, he fled to another property.

A taser was used multiple times before the armed man charged at an officer who fired at him. He received first aid from the officers but was declared dead at the scene.

The man, who has not yet been formally identified, is thought to be 41-years-old.

A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will spearhead the investigation into the circumstances of the incident. The inquiry will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).