Tensions high as investigation continues around shooting death of Mareeba man
INVESTIGATION
Tensions remain high in Mareeba this morning after a specially convened meeting by Police did little to ease concerns around the circumstances of an alleged shooting death of a man in the town just days ago.
Police claim they had no choice but to shoot a 27-year-old man around 3.30pm on Saturday after he allegedly lunged at specialist officers with a knife following earlier reports he would not let a female in his company leave a Love St residence.
However, the man’s family have questioned the Police’s version of events and have requested to see bodycam footage of the incident. More than 100 residents attended yesterday’s meeting in which the man’s mother spoke of her heartbreak around the incident.
Over the past few days there have been unconfirmed reports that local Police cars have had rocks thrown at them, while officers have encountered alleged verbal attacks.
A leading law enforcement officer moved to address the situation just hours ago.
“Police are working really hard on the ground at the moment in the community of Mareeba,” Detective Acting Superintendent Sonia Smith said.
“We're using our police liaison officers to engage with the community, (to) engage with the family and engage with anybody who's affected by this.”
Police said “immediate first aid and CPR was provided (in the seconds following the incident) however the man died at the scene.”
Police confirmed the incident will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner, and the investigation is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Meantime, the Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate a crash in Kamerunga, in which a 20 year-old woman died at the scene early Saturday morning.
Police said at around 3.45am on Kamerunga Road early investigations indicate a Mitsubishi Lancer struck a tree before travelling down an embankment near the intersection with Stoney Creek Road.
A passenger in the vehicle, a 22-year-old Smithfield man, was transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.
Police have appealed for any witnesses or those with information about the incident to notify them.
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