Man killed in police shoot-out had fired rifle at estranged partner and children
Police shot dead an armed dad-of-four who earlier fired shots at his ex-partner and her children following a heated domestic dispute.
Ben Freear, 40, fired a rifle at his former partner and her children in their Queensland home in Tiaro, south of Maryborough, about 8.30pm Saturday (local time), police said.
He shot at the woman, her children and her car, which was later found with a bullet hole in its exterior.
The Courier Mail has reported that the woman had been trying to leave when her car was shot.
Further reports were also made to police alleging the same man had fired shots at a neighbour.
Freear fled his partner’s home and remained at large overnight until being tracked by specialist police including Polair, to another Tiaro address on Sunday morning.
“When he attempted to get fuel from another person, police responded to that incident,” Superintendent Craig Hawkins told reporters on Sunday.
“We were actively attempting to find this man as of last night (Saturday night).”
Superintendent Hawkins said the man shot at police from and elevated position when they arrived, and charged at them with a weapon.
He also fired further shots at another vehicle and police cars.
Freear was then fatally shot in return fire by members of the Special Emergency Response Team and declared dead at the scene.
It was unclear how many shots he fired, but no one else was injured.
The incident is being investigated internally, under the supervision of the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Superintendent Hawkins said it was “very fortunate on this occasion that no police officer has been killed or injured”, according to the Courier Mail.
He said that Freear had been known to police and that the incident was sparked by an argument with his former partner.
Queensland Police Union secretary Mick Barnes commended the police officers’ bravery and said they had acted appropriately.
- with AAP
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
