A 45-year-old man has been shot dead by police in Rugby, New South Wales, after officers responding to a car crash allegedly saw him point a firearm at them.
The man, who has not been identified, had crashed a Chrysler station wagon into a tree near the small town, about 80km north of Yass in the Southern Tablelands, on Sunday afternoon.
Police and paramedics went to the scene after the crash. Assistant Police Commissioner Stephen Heggarty said the man appeared to be unconscious and did not respond when officers tried to speak to him.
“He then took possession of a firearm and pointed it directly at a police officer,” Mr Heggarty said.
Officers opened fire, striking the man with a number of rounds. He died at the scene.
Mr Heggarty said police had been close to the vehicle as they attempted to assess the man and provide assistance.
The shooting has been declared a critical incident and will be subject to an independent investigation.
Police said the man was previously known to them and had a history of firearm offences.
