A man has been shot by police following a tense, three-hour standoff at Poplar Tourist Park in Elderslie, located in Sydney’s south-west. Emergency services were alerted around 12:15 PM due to concerns regarding the welfare of the 52-year-old individual. When police arrived, they attempted to engage with him at his cabin.
During the ordeal, the man reportedly armed himself with a knife and threatened to harm himself. In response, police negotiators worked diligently to de-escalate the situation. However, as the clock approached 3:30 PM, the situation intensified. Reports indicate the man charged at the officers, prompting police to first deploy a taser and non-lethal rounds, both of which proved ineffective. Ultimately, police had no choice but to resort to live ammunition.
After the shooting, emergency medical personnel treated the man on-site before transferring him to Liverpool Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. In light of the incident, a critical incident declaration has been made, prompting an investigation by the NSW Crime Command’s Homicide squad. This inquiry will undergo further review by the Professional Standards Command and will be monitored by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
For those affected by this incident or in need of support, assistance is available through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.