A Critical Incident Investigation has been launched after a man died during a police operation near Lithgow this morning.
About 12.15pm yesterday (Sunday 16 July 2023), officers from Chifley Police District were called to a home at Bowenfels, following reports a man and woman were fighting at the property.
Police were told the man was in possession of a firearm and concerns were raised for his welfare.
On arrival, officers spoke briefly with the pair from a distance before they went inside, locked the doors, and refused to come out.
A perimeter was established, and assistance was requested from specialist resources, including Police Negotiators and the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU).
About 4.20pm, a number of shots were fired from the home in the direction of police, with police returning fire. No one was injured during the exchange.
Police continued to attempt to engage the pair in conversations overnight, but they refused to come outside.
Just before 8.50am today (Monday 17 July 2023), the 20-year-old woman came out of the property and provided information to officers at the scene.
A short time later, police gained entry to the home and located the body of the man. It is reported that he had sustained a gunshot wound, which is suspected to be self-inflicted.
While he has not been formally identified, it is believed he is aged 29.
The woman is continuing to assist police with inquiries.
An investigation has commenced into all circumstances relating to the incident by a Critical Incident Investigation Team from Orana Mid Western Police District.
Those investigations will be subject to an independent review, including by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Anyone with information which may assist the Critical Incident Investigation Team is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
