A 20-year-old man has been shot dead by NSW police after allegedly holding a police officer’s firearm during a fight in western Sydney.
Four police officers approached the man in St Marys around 10.30am on Wednesday while roaming the area.
What Happened?
The man allegedly jumped over a fence and entered a nearby yard and threatened the officers, which caused a commotion. He then seized a police officer’s firearm, which resulted in several shots fired, NSW police said.
Police said a scuffle broke out and Mr Balzan had grabbed one of the officers’ firearms, before the second officer shot the man in the stomach.
A second officer shot the 20-year-old in the abdomen. He died at the scene.
“It is unfortunate that a man has died as a result of this gunshot wound,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones told reporters.
“The police have been put in a very difficult position and are working, I understand, by following the police process. That is something that will be fully investigated. It is a very sad situation at any time, especially at Christmas, so our hearts go out to the family. “
Paramedics and the officers tried to save Mr Balzan but he died at the scene.
A senior police officer was bitten by a dog in the backyard when an argument broke out and he was taken to hospital.
Ongoing Investigation
A team of assassins will conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting incidents and the Law Enforcement Ethics Commission will also investigate police actions. Details will be provided to the investigating officer.
The man’s death will be referred to the coroner.
Police were continuing to scour the residential street, a large section of which had been taped off, and the backyard of one house on Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier, an ambulance was in the street and a police riot squad vehicle was parked on the grass opposite homes.
Acacia Avenue is a couple of blocks behind the main St Marys shopping strip on Queen Street. Police urged members of the public to avoid the area.
Previous Similar Instances
In October, a NSW Police officer fatally shot a man who police allege pointed a double-barrelled longarm gun at officers when they stormed a house on the Central Coast following a high-speed pursuit over a stolen vehicle.
During an unrelated incident in April, police shot dead a 51-year-old man after he allegedly threatened officers with a meat tenderiser and a hammer at Rockdale in Sydney’s south.
