Drive-by leads police to ‘chaotic’ scene

DETECTIVE Inspector Troy Morrisby from Glenorchy CIB could only describe what went down at New Norfolk and Magra on Tuesday as “chaotic”.

While briefing the public on Wednesday about the violent events, which included a drive-by shooting and the stabbing of a police officer, he insisted police would oppose bail for the four people facing charges.

The first incident occurred when a gun was reportedly fired from a car at a house in Benjamin Terrace, New Norfolk, about 12.15pm on Tuesday. A 31-year-old man was arrested soon after and dealt nine charges.

Police were required at Magra just before 5pm, where the arrest was made over the first offence. Police said they were met with a violent brawl, burning vehicle and a house smashed-up by rocks. Three people were arrested and charged in relation to the Magra incident.

Insp Morrisby said police will allege the second incident was retribution for a drive-by shooting that day.

“(They) felt the need to take the law into their own hands,” he said.

Insp Morrisby described the stabbing of one of the attending officers and a civilian. “Two females became involved in a physical altercation – one female has (allegedly) caused a wound to the other female’s upper-arm with a small knife,” he said.

“During that altercation, which lasted a couple of seconds, a police officer has selflessly gone in to separate the two parties, and he has sustained what’s thankfully a recoverable and relatively minor puncture-slash-cut wound.”

He said the officer was recovering and was in good spirits.