An investigation by Tasmania Police Professional Standards into the non-fatal shooting of a man at Beechford, 14 March 2011, has found police actions were both lawful and justified.

Daniel Sowden arrived at a property in Beechford in the early hours of 14 March 2011 armed with a knife and a builders nail gun.  Police were called and Mr Sowden threatened them with a knife.

Officers attempted to negotiate with him for 52 minutes.  In that time Mr Sowden spat at police, threatened he had a gun, menaced police with the knife and endeavoured to incite police into shooting him by threatening them and lunging at officers with his knife.

Mr Sowden was shot in the stomach by an officer after he advanced on him with the knife and ignored warnings not to come closer.  The officer had retreated until he was against a high fence; he fired a single shot at Mr Sowden as he advanced to within 2 to 3 metres.  

“Police had an obligation to contain Mr Sowden due to the threat he presented to residents in the area.  It is clear the officer believed Mr Sowden was intent on stabbing him and he acted in self defense,” said Deputy Commissioner, Scott Tilyard.

“I would like to acknowledge the judgement, sound decision making and professionalism displayed by the officers in dealing with a high risk incident over a protracted period,” said Mr Tilyard.
 

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