UPDATE: A man was fatally shot by police after threatening officers with a homemade pistol outside a residence in Ipswich, Queensland, as a coroner’s inquest continues. This shocking incident occurred in May 2022 and has drawn significant attention due to its alarming details.
During the inquest, Coroner Terry Ryan heard that Tjay Robert Doeblien, 27, pointed a crude firearm at police and shouted, “one of you is going down.” In response, Senior Constable John Johnstone fired his service rifle, hitting Doeblien in the chest as he perceived an imminent threat to his life and the lives of his fellow officers.
The confrontation began when police responded to reports of a disturbance involving a male chasing a female with a stick. As officers arrived, Doeblien was seen brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as a “zip gun” made from a pipe and metal components. Detective Senior Sergeant Tara O’Donnell confirmed that while the weapon lacked a firing pin, it resembled a real firearm, contributing to the tense atmosphere.
Sen Const Johnstone explained his split-second decision to fire in light of Doeblien’s aggressive behavior. “I believed he had the capability of killing or seriously injuring any of us present,” he stated. Doeblien reportedly threatened officers, claiming there was “one round in here,” prompting a swift police response.
Despite repeated commands from officers urging him to lower his weapon, Doeblien remained defiant, escalating the situation. “He made a direct threat that one of us would be shot and killed,” added Senior Constable Darien Gough, emphasizing the perceived risk to public safety.
The inquest aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, with family members of Doeblien present in the courtroom watching body-worn camera footage of the confrontation. The emotional weight of the situation was palpable, as they witnessed the moment police attempted to negotiate with Doeblien to de-escalate the conflict.
As this inquest unfolds, the implications of the encounter raise critical questions about police protocol and community safety. The inquiry is expected to conclude on Thursday, and its findings could have far-reaching consequences for policing strategies in similar situations.
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