A suspected paedophile who fatally stabbed himself when cops raided his home was a reclusive printing worker who lived just metres from a playground.
Detectives from the NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad stormed John Haynes’ one-bedroom apartment in Leura, in the Blue Mountains about 100km west of Sydney’s CBD, just after 7am on Tuesday.
When police entered his bedroom, they found Haynes, 41, wielding a knife. He then took his own life.
Haynes was being investigated over the alleged possession of child abuse material.
Neighbours told the Daily Mail that Haynes had lived in the apartment for about eight years, but had barely spoken to his neighbours.
One woman, who didn’t want to be identified, said everyone in the block was woken up when cops tried to break down the front door, as well as a door between Haynes’ unit and another apartment. Â
‘They couldn’t get through because there’s a table blocking our door,’ she said.
‘Goes to show you don’t know what people are doing behind closed doors.’
John Haynes, 41, took his own life when NSW Police officers raided his home in the Blue Mountains on Tuesday morningÂ
He was living in this unit in Leura, in the Blue Mountains, just metres away from a children’s playground
NSW Police officers are seen during the raid on the home on Tuesday morning
Detectives were investigating the man over the alleged possession of child abuse material
Another neighbour, Philip Shearer, was barred from entering his unit until cops left the crime scene at midnight.
He was shocked when he found out Haynes was a suspected paedophile.
‘He probably did it because they’d kill him in jail,’ Mr Shearer said.
‘I felt bad vibes coming from that place for a while.’
Mr Shearer never saw visitors going into Haynes’ apartment, and never held a lengthy conversation with him.Â
There is little trace of Haynes online.Â
About four months ago, Haynes ranted about damage to his Toyota Camry in a local Facebook group.
‘Hi All. I’m looking for anyone who witnessed someone damage my brand new car in Grose Street Leura between Saturday afternoon and 2pm today (Sunday),’ he wrote.
Police said they found the man wielding a knife inside his bedroom before he stabbed himself
One neighbour told the Daily Mail he ‘felt bad vibes’ coming from the unitÂ
This playground, above, was steps from the property where Haynes lived
‘They couldn’t be bothered to leave any details. I have attached photos. I would be incredibly grateful for any help in locating the offender.
‘My car is a dark grey Toyota Camry. I’m also prepared to offer a reward if the information produces the offender.’
In a statement, NSW Police said police performed first aid after Haynes wounded himself.
‘Police immediately rendered first aid and sought assistance from NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, the man died at the scene.’
A critical incident team from Mt Druitt Police Area Command is leading an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will be the subject of an internal review by the Professional Standards Command, overseen by the police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.Â
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.Â
The small village of Leura is a popular tourist spot for people visiting the Blue Mountains National Park.
For confidential help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14Â
