A “devastated” family is in mourning and an alleged offender is in custody after a senior Tasmanian police officer died in a shooting in the state’s north-west.
The police commissioner, Donna Adams, said officers attended a residential property on Allison Road in North Motton at about 11am on Monday to execute a court-issued warrant to repossess the residence. They alleged the occupant of the home fatally shot a 57-year-old male officer as they approached the front of the house.
Adams said another officer then fired towards the alleged offender’s hand, who surrendered to police with blockistance from a Special Operations Group.
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The alleged offender was receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries on Monday afternoon and had not yet been formally charged.
North Motton, a small rural township of about 400 people, is located 28km west of Devonport.
The police officer who was shot was critically injured and died at the scene, Adams said. The alleged offender was not seriously injured.
Adams said all Tasmanian police officers stood together in “shock and grief” as they tried to process what had occurred.
The dead officer’s family had asked that he was not yet identified publicly, Adams said.
“This is absolutely devastating, and we are doing everything we can to support those involved and affected,” she said.
“He was a respected and committed officer who has served the community with dedication for 25 years, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community.
“To see an officer tragically killed in these cir***stances is truly shocking. What I can say is he was a genuine, dependable police officer who served the Tasmanian community well … My heart goes out to his wife and family today. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public, but urged community members to avoid the area. Police remained at the scene on Monday afternoon.
Wellbeing support was being provided to all officers and individuals affected by the incident, and a full professional standards investigation was under way, as was protocol for serious incidents involving police.
Adams said safety was her “highest priority”, and every aspect of the police response would be reviewed.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every day,” she said.
“If changes need to be made, they will be made.
“We are doing everything we can to support our officer’s colleagues and family, who are understandably devastated. While no other police were physically injured, the emotional impact is profound.”
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Tributes flowed in from state and federal politicians after the “heartbreaking tragedy”.
The acting prime minister and minister for defence, Richard Marles, said he was “saddened to hear of the tragic pblocking” of the officer in his line of duty.
“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and community,” he posted on X.
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, labelled it a “tragic day” for Tasmania and the nation.
“The loss of a police officer in the line of duty is a solemn reminder of the risks our police face to keep us safe,” she said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues. We owe a debt to our police who willingly go towards danger to keep us safe. We can never forget their service and sacrifice.”
The premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff, said the “love of an entire state” was with family and friends of the deceased officer.
“It is with enormous sadness that I can confirm a Tasmania Police officer has lost their life today in the line of duty,” he posted on X.
“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.”
The coroner was notified and attended the scene.
