Man in custody, arrows fired, in four day Whitsunday siege
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
A siege in a home unit block in the Queensland Whitsundays region has ended after almost four days, during which it’s alleged a man shot arrows at police.
The siege began last Thursday at a unit on Erromango Drive at Jubilee Pocket, near Airlie Beach, when police were called to help a specialist mental health team take a man to hospital.
Police said the man barricaded himself inside the unit, and that he was armed with a compound bow and arrows.
Queensland Police Superintendent Tom Armitt said the man did not comply with requests to leave the unit and they declared a public safety preservation order for the area.
“Incidents involving the shooting of arrows occurred sporadically over the weekend, commencing on Saturday. Each time, police were the targets of those shots.
“The male refused to engage with negotiators during the entire incident. Early this morning, we developed concerns for his safety as he was not moving and not responding to any stimuli.”
Police entered the unit and found the man so exhausted he couldn’t function. He was taken in to custody and is receiving medical treatment. Police are yet to decide whether the man will face charges.
The lengthy siege caused significant disruption for local residents, with some unable to stay in their homes or move freely around the area.
Superintendent Armitt thanked locals for their co-operation.
“We’re fully conscious that it caused disruption and disturbance to them. We don’t take it lightly, but we must act to preserve life at the expense of convenience on occasions.”
