EMERGENCY REPORT
Wellington homicide appeal
IT’S been a horrible 12 months for the family and friends of Wellington shooting victim Frank Smith and now Homicide Squad detectives are renewing their appeal for public information on the first anniversary of his death.
To recap: about 4.30pm on April 27 last year, police were called to Wellington Base Hospital after a man presented with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the man, formally identified as 48-year-old Frank Smith, was unable to be revived.
The State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Libani and Homicide boss, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said detectives were continuing to explore several lines of inquiry to identify those responsible for Frank’s death.
“It has now been a year since this investigation began, and police wish to extend their sincere appreciation to those in the local community who have already come forward and spoken to police,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“During the past 12 months, detectives have conducted a significant canvass, including speaking with several of Frank’s family, friends and associates – as well as reviewing CCTV in the area.”
Last October police released vision of a vehicle seen in the vicinity of Thornton Street shortly after Frank was shot. Police have now spoken with the owner of the vehicle and investigations remain ongoing.
“Homicide Squad detectives have returned to Wellington and would like to speak with anyone who hasn’t yet come forward to police to obtain justice for Frank,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Frank Smith’s daughter, Linda-rose Morris, urged anyone in the local community with information about her father’s death to make contact with detectives.
“Today makes one year that I have been without my father and my daughter has been without her grandfather,” she said.
“Precious time has been taken away from us – including the time my daughter had to know and spend time with her beloved pop.
“We now turn to the community of Wellington for answers. Please – if you know what happened to Dad, come forward and help my family find the answers we need after such a terrible year of heartache.”
Investigations under Strike Force Libani are continuing.
Emergency Services in Anzac marches
FIRE and Rescue NSW personnel from Fire Station 401 proudly marched at Sunday’s Anzac Day commemoration in Narromine, according to Captain Ewen Jones.
“It was great – all Narromine schools were allowed to join in and despite the late notice they were able to attend,” Cpt Jones told Dubbo Photo News.
So many personnel from emergency services organisations across the region once again made a special effort to attend, remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in Australia’s armed forces.
Female driver’s alleged burnout
POLICE have charged a 33-yearold female driver with 11 offences after she allegedly crashed a vehicle and assaulted a police officer in Narromine
About 5.20pm on April 20 police were called to Dappo Road after reports a female driver had performed a burnout and collided with a fence. It’s alleged the woman also assaulted a female bystander and stole her phone before attempting to flee.
The woman was detained by members of the public and the phone was recovered. When police rolled up and arrested the 33-year-old woman, she allegedly refused to provide a breath test.
She was taken to Dubbo Police Station, where it’s further alleged the woman spat at a male sergeant, before being taken to Dubbo Base Hospital for treatment.
Upon release she was taken to Dubbo Police Station where she was charged with 11 offences including:
Shoplifting
Not give particulars to owner of damaged property
Drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent
Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous - first off
Common assault
Larceny
Two counts of resist officer in execution of duty
Two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty
Refuse or fail to submit to breath test
She was refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court.
Appeal for info after public place shooting
BACK on New Year’s Day police received reports a firearm had been fired multiple times during a physical altercation on Culgoa Street in Bourke, with witnesses claiming a group of people had congregated on the street during the altercation before a man produced the shortened rifle and fired several rounds of ammunition into the air.
The group fled the scene prior to the arrival of police. Officers established Strike Force Glynburn to investigate the incident and wish to speak with anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation.
Now police have renewed appeals and are hopeful anyone who may have mobile phone photos or video of the incident will come forward.
The man involved in the alleged incident has been described as of an Aboriginal/torres Strait Islander appearance, approximately 20-30 years old, approximately 160-170cm tall, of a heavy build with medium-length hair.
Anyone with information about this incident, including mobile phone footage from the area at the time, is urged to contact Bourke Police Station (02) 6870 0899 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
More new cops
ORANA Mid-western Police District will be getting four new probationary constables from the 204 new officers who were sworn in at the attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy last week.