Media release

Operation Moor

Police

Northern Territory Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of four people in the Darwin CBD last night.

Police were notified of the incident around 5:45pm yesterday, when they received reports a man armed with a shotgun was firing rounds in the Darwin CBD.

The alleged offender, a 45-year-old male, is believed to have attended a location at Finniss Street searching for a person known to him. He threatened two people at the location prior to shooting a 22-year-old female who sustained non-life threatening injuries to her legs. She is currently in hospital in a stable condition.

A 33-year-old male was shot at the same location, and has died at the scene.

At 5:50pm, the alleged offender attended a residence in Gardens Hill Crescent and fatally shot a 75-year-old male.

At 5:59pm the alleged offender attended the Buff Club in Stuart Park, where he fatally shot a 57-year-old male.

The alleged offender has then attended an address in Jolly Street, Woolner, where he fatally shot a fourth person, a 52-year-old male.

At 6:24pm, he drove to the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah and unsuccessfully tried to enter the police station, before leaving the area. At this stage it is unclear as to why he was trying to enter the police station.

He has then contacted the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre, requesting police protection.

The alleged offender was apprehended by General Duties Officers and Territory Response Group Officers at the intersection of McMinn and Daly Streets at 6:44pm. A firearm was seized during the arrest. Investigations are ongoing as to how he came into possession of the weapon.

The alleged offender is currently at the Royal Darwin Hospital under police guard. He is expected to be interviewed and charged later this evening or tomorrow.

At this stage police are yet to determine if the victims were known to the offender.

Police continue to ask for any witnesses to come forward. In particular, police are interested in anyone who may have vision of the incident including Dash Cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage.

Police have seized three vehicles that they believe the alleged offender drove over the course of the day, and ask anyone who may have sighted them to come forward.

The vehicles are:
• White Toyota Hilux – NT registration CC26QE
• Red Holden Commodore – NT registration CC01IR
• Silver Proton – NT registration CD49OU
Anyone with information is asked to attend their local police station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Additionally, information and footage can be supplied via the PFES.PublicEvidence@pfes.nt.gov.au email address set up in response to the incident.

Police would like to reassure the public that there is no further perceived threat to the community. Police will be providing a heightened presence throughout the Darwin region over the coming days.

Anyone who feels they need to access counselling services can contact NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.