A man has been fatally shot by police following a tense, hours-long siege at a home in Springfield, prompting the declaration of a critical incident investigation.
Emergency services were called to a property on Wells Street just before 3.30pm on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, after police were asked to conduct a welfare check on the occupant. Officers from Brisbane Water Police District attended the address and attempted to speak with a 49-year-old man.
Police allege the man armed himself with a screwdriver and other sharp objects and refused to comply with officers’ directions. A perimeter was established and specialist police resources were deployed as negotiations continued throughout the afternoon and evening.
The situation escalated shortly after 9.25pm when the man allegedly attempted to set an officer alight by igniting an aerosol can. Officers attached to Tactical Operations Regional Support (TORS) then entered the premises.
During the confrontation, police allege the man armed himself with a sharp object and stabbed at an officer multiple times. Officers discharged their firearms, fatally shooting the man. One police officer sustained a minor injury.
NSW Ambulance paramedics provided emergency treatment at the scene; however, the man died before he could be transported to hospital.
A critical incident team from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.