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Police were called to perform a welfare check at an address on Quia Road in Gunnedah(Image: Google)

A man has been shot dead after he aimed a bow and arrow at police officers.

Police were called at around 1.40pm on Friday, January 16 to perform a welfare check at an address on Quia Road in Gunnedah, about 450km north-west of Sydney. Officers spoke to the man outside a home before he went inside and returned armed with a bow and arrow which police say he then ” aimed at officers”.

According to a New South Wales Police press release officers were forced to run to their vehicle for cover. During the stand-off police discharged a firearm and despite best efforts to save him the man died at the scene.

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Gunnedah Police Station(Image: Google)

A NSW police spokesperson said: “A critical incident investigation has commenced after a man died following a shooting in the state’s west today. About 1.40pm (Friday 16 January 2026), police were called to a home on Quia Road, Gunnedah, following reports of a concern for welfare.

“Officers attached to Oxley Police District attended and spoke to a man outside a home before the man went back inside and returned armed with a bow and arrow.

“Police returned to their vehicle for cover; however, a police firearm was discharged when the man aimed at officers. The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a gunshot wound but he died at the scene.

“A critical incident team from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.