Arabic version: وفاة رجل بعد مطاردة شرطة عابرة للحدود وتحطم
A man has died in northern New South Wales after a police pursuit that crossed the Queensland–NSW border.
According to ABC News, NSW Police were told by Queensland police just before 1am that a man travelling south over the border was allegedly armed with a firearm, which was later identified by officers as a modified lever action long arm.
Police located the man driving a ute at Banora Point, near Tweed Heads, about 1am. A pursuit began after he failed to stop and continued for more than 65 kilometres, with spike strips used on two occasions. The vehicle ultimately left the road and went over an embankment before coming to a stop in the town of Kunghur, about 26km south-west of Murwillumbah. Officers reported seeing a man seated in the vehicle with a firearm across his lap; they deployed OC spray, removed the man from the vehicle and immediately rendered first aid including CPR. The man was unconscious and died at the scene. Police said no other injuries were reported and the weapon was not used to threaten anyone.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman described the situation as “dynamic and high-risk”, noting the presence of the weapon escalated the response. When asked about the cause of death, she said it was under investigation and that she “wouldn’t speculate”. The status of the man’s firearm licence, reasons he did not stop and who made the initial report to police are among matters to be examined. NSW Police said the man did not have a firearms licence in NSW and they are working with Queensland police to clarify holdings.
Local residents reported being woken by sirens and a loud noise as the pursuit passed through multiple suburbs. Officers involved have been offered welfare and support services.
What happens next: a critical incident team from Richmond Police District will lead an investigation and prepare a report for the NSW Coroner; those findings will then be independently reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | New South Wales | Queensland
