Critical incident declared after man dies in Wagga siege

UPDATE, 6PM TUESDAY: A CRITICAL incident has been declared after a man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an hours-long police operation in Wagga.

Emergency services were called to a reported mental health-related incident in Ashmont about 11am on Tuesday, July 21.

It is understood a man aged in his 60s barricaded himself inside a home on Malta Crescent while allegedly armed with a firearm and making threats.

Police established a large exclusion zone around the area, closing Malta Crescent as well as Tarakan Avenue between Bulolo Street and Bardia Street, while specialist officers, including the Tactical Operations Unit, responded.

NSW Ambulance paramedics also attended, remaining staged nearby as the incident unfolded.

The operation continued for several hours before a gunshot was heard from within the police cordon about 2pm.

“About 2.15pm, police entered the home and found the man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

“NSW Ambulance responded, however the man, believed to be in his 60s, died at the scene.”

No one else was in the house.

In a statement issued shortly after 3pm, the Police Association of NSW confirmed a critical incident had been declared.

“All police are accounted for and uninjured,” the association said.

“A field organiser has been in contact with involved members and is now en route to provide legal and welfare support.”

A crime scene has been established and a Critical Incident Team from Murrumbidgee Police District will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Shortly before 4pm, Tarakan Avenue reopened to traffic, while Malta Crescent remained closed as a significant police presence continued at the scene.

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• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24 hours)
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