Clifford helps police in stand-off

Wee Waa’s Clifford Toomey said he was pleased to play a part in helping police officers successfully resolve a stand-off situation with a 19-year-old on Sunday night.

“I’m always happy to offer help and support,” said Mr Toomey who helped police communicate with the young man.

“I just did what needed to be done and I didn’t want things to turn ugly.

“I’m extremely happy that nobody was hurt – family members, community members, officers, the 19-year-old.”

The three-and-a-half hour stand-off occurred in Boundary Street and according to police, followed an earlier incident on Sunday, at a different location.

Police said they attended the Boundary Street address to arrest the man at about 5.30pm but he
allegedly tried to run from police and this resulted in his allegedly arming himself with a number of weapons and threatening harm.

“The incident resolved at 9pm (on Sunday) when the male put down his weapons and surrendered himself to police,” said Inspector Dunn in an interview with The Courier on Monday.

The 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with breach of bail, threatening injury to person with the intent of preventing lawful detention and malicious damage and is due back in Court, in April.

Mr Toomey said he thinks Narrabri needs a permanent Aboriginal Community Liaison officer because the closest officers are based in Moree and Tamworth.

“If it’s an Aboriginal person in a situation like this, they can look to the Aboriginal community to de-escalate the problem.”