Police negotiate with man in Ingham

POLICE negotiators from Townsville rushed north to respond to a dramatic siege in Ingham involving a man who was allegedly armed with two knives, and was attempting to commit suicide by cop.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Bormann said police officers were called to the Venables Street property just after midday on Sunday after receiving reports about a “very agitated” man.

“When police entered the residence they were confronted by a 49-year-old man who was armed with two knives,” Senior Sergeant Bormann said.

“Police were unable to resolve the situation and the man refused to obey commands to drop the knives and indicated that he wanted police to shoot him.”

The officer-in-charge of the Ingham Police Station said officers were able to contain the man within the house by establishing a cordon and maintaining communication channels.

“Local police continued to contain the man until support and specialist units arrived from Townsville,” Senior Sergeant Bormann said. “During this time the man attempted to leave the house and confronted police, throwing a bottle at them before retreating back inside the residence.”

Sergeant Bormann said the police negotiators from Townsville were able to engage “with the man who surrendered to police and was taken into custody”.

The man, who was wanted on a warrant, has since been charged with four counts of serious assault on police.

Senior Sergeant Bormann said police objected to the man receiving bail due to the serious nature of the alleged offences.

The man was expected to appear in court in Townsville today.