Multiple police agencies were called to a home in Whitlam on Christmas Eve. Photo: File.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to allegations of family violence.
A 39-year-old man allegedly assaulted his pregnant partner, threatened two children and fired at police in a Christmas Eve confrontation in Whitlam.
About 6:35 pm on Wednesday, the man allegedly assaulted his pregnant partner, punching her in the head several times.
Members of the public saw the woman exit the residence and the man following her with a firearm allegedly in his possession. Police say witnesses further observed the man falling over, causing the firearm to discharge into the air.
About 6:41 pm police received multiple reports of the disturbance, arriving a short time later and establishing a cordon. Police say two children were inside the man’s residence.
Multiple police resources were called in, including General Duties patrols, Territory Targeting Team, Road Policing, AFP Dog Team, AFP Tactical Response and AFP negotiators.
Between 7:22 pm and 7:45 pm, police allege the man discharged the firearm 12 times at various locations within the residence. On four occasions the man allegedly aimed and discharged the firearm at police. During this time, he also allegedly made several violent threats to police and the children.
About 8:55 pm, police allege the man climbed a rear fence of his property, making threats to police. Moments after, he lost balance and fell to the ground, giving police the opportunity to arrest him.
Police entered the residence and found the two children, who were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
About 11 pm, officers executed a search warrant at the residence allegedly locating a modified black air rifle with a scope.
The man who was subject to an arrest warrant for failing to answer bail, faced the ACT Magistrate’s Court today (Friday, 26 December) charged with aggravated assault ABH on pregnant woman (FV), aggravated common assault (FV), unauthorised use of prohibited firearm, four counts of discharge firearm endanger life and attempt assault frontline community service provider.
He was refused bail and the matter will return to court next month.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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