Lights and sirens engulfed a quiet Canberra cul-de-sac on Christmas Eve, forcing residents to seek shelter in their homes as heavily armed police units arrested a shirtless man reportedly wielding a gun. The incident unfolded on Hazel Hawke Avenue in Whitlam, where emergency services, including ambulances and fire trucks, were deployed for approximately two hours.
The scene was set as tactical police officers engaged with a 39-year-old man on the adjacent Mallard Street. The normally serene neighborhood was disrupted as cars slowed and teenagers gathered at a nearby roundabout, curious about the unfolding drama. An emergency alert issued around 8:30 PM instructed residents to remain indoors, heightening the tension.
Community on Edge
The incident comes on the heels of a mass shooting in Bondi less than two weeks prior, which has left communities across Australia on high alert. Reports of an “active shooter” circulated rapidly on social media and neighborhood group chats, reflecting a shared anxiety.
As the situation developed, a police officer advised journalists and bystanders to take cover, emphasizing the potential danger. Photos obtained from the scene showed a police tactical team surrounding a home on Mallard Street, with a shirtless man appearing to point a weapon at officers.
Police Response and Arrest
ACT Policing, while not confirming the specifics of an armed threat, released a statement acknowledging the operation. By 9 PM, the police presence began to dwindle as officers confirmed they had taken “a person of interest into custody.”
Witnesses described the tense interactions between the man and police, with officers reportedly ordering him to “put it down” as he allegedly held a weapon. A neighbor recounted the man giving police “a mouthful” and briefly detaining another person before releasing them and being arrested.
“We were waiting until after they were gone to celebrate,” one witness shared, highlighting the disruption to holiday festivities.
Aftermath and Community Reaction
Once the suspect was taken into custody, tactical officers conducted a thorough search of the home. The street, once bustling with emergency activity, returned to its usual quiet by 9:30 PM. Residents cautiously resumed their routines, with one father expressing relief that the situation had resolved before his baby’s first Christmas.
This Christmas Eve operation follows a fatal incident in Isabella Plains last month, where a man died after allegedly exchanging gunfire with officers. The ACT has seen a spate of gun-related incidents in recent months, raising concerns about firearm accessibility and the limitations of the current firearms register.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The 39-year-old man is expected to face criminal charges at the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday. Police are anticipated to release more details about the alleged offenses and the Christmas Eve incident following the court appearance on Boxing Day.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing gun-related threats and maintaining public safety. As Canberra residents reflect on the events of Christmas Eve, questions about community safety and gun control remain at the forefront of public discourse.
