Police said a 57-year-old Australian policeman was shot dead in a rural property in Tasmania and was offered a warrant to retrieve the house.
Tasmanian police said in a statement that the officer had arrived at a house in North Morton near Ulfstone town on Monday morning when he was fired by a “public member.”
The second officer blew the suspect’s hand to death the fire. Police said the suspect surrendered and was later treated in the hospital.
There are strict gun laws in Australia and deadly shootings are still rare.
A police spokesman said a crime scene was established in North Morton after Monday’s shooting and informed the coroner.
“The safety of our officers is our top priority, and it is shocking that an official was brutally killed in this situation,” Police Commissioner Donna Adams told reporters late Monday.
“We know policing may take risks, but we want every officer to complete the shift and go home.”
Ms Adams said the police were not named out of respect for their family, as some family members have not been informed of his death.
She described him as a “real, reliable policeman” who has served the community for 25 years.
Ms. Adams said he accompanied him on Monday morning with a “senior and experienced sergeant” to “serve a court-approved arrest warrant to recover the home.”
She added that the officer was shot while advancing from the car to the front of the house. She also praised his colleagues for trying to seek assistance in “danger and dangerous situations.”
Ms. Adams said the investigation into the incident is underway.
Police also said welfare support is being provided to those involved and affected.
Tasmanian Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy.”
For all those who have the honor of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues… the love of the whole country is with you today. ”
Shootings are relatively rare in Australia, and in 1996, 35 people killed 35 people in a lonely gunman in Port Arthur, Tasmania, introduced the world’s strictest gun regulations in Australia.
Other reports from KOH EWE.
