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last mo.

Tasmania Police to Charge Suspect in North Motton Officer’s Killing

He is recovering under police guard after surgery; authorities have opened criminal, coroner’s and professional standards probes alongside safety reviews.

Statewide Community Engagement's senior sargeant Phil Burton, senior constable Brett Bowering and senior constable Blake Nolan at Ulverstone Police Station. Picture by David Bellamy

Overview

  • On June 16, 57-year-old Constable Keith Anthony Smith was shot dead while serving a court-ordered repossession warrant at a North Motton property.
  • Three members of the Special Operations Group donned tactical gear and an operative shot the 46-year-old suspect in the hand, leading to his swift apprehension.
  • The alleged offender has undergone two surgeries at Launceston General Hospital and remains under police guard awaiting formal charges.
  • Commissioner Donna Adams said charges are expected on Thursday, June 19, pending medical clearance and legal procedures.
  • The force is conducting separate criminal, coroner’s and professional standards investigations and is reviewing frontline deployment policies after expanding SOG roles in December 2023.