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A 39-year-old Whitlam man will face court today charged with firearm and family violence offences following a police operation in Whitlam on Wednesday evening.
About 6:35pm on Wednesday (24 December 2025), the man allegedly assaulted his pregnant partner, punching her in the head several times.
Members of the public observed the woman exit the residence and the man following her with a firearm allegedly in his possession. Witnesses further observed the man falling over causing the firearm to discharge into the air.
About 6:41pm police received multiple reports of the disturbance, arriving a short time later and establishing a cordon. It became known to police that two children were inside the man’s residence.
A significant police response with multiple police resources were in attendance including General Duties patrols, Territory Targeting Team, Road Policing, AFP Dog Team, AFP Tactical Response and AFP Negotiators.
Between 7:22pm and 7:45pm, police will allege the man discharged the firearm 12 times at various locations within the residence. On four occasions the man aimed and discharged the firearm at police. During this time, the man made several violent threats to police and the children.
About 8:55pm, police will allege the man climbed a rear fence of his property, making threats to police. Moments after, he lost balance and fell to the ground, where police were then subsequently able to arrest him.
Police entered the residence locating two children, who were transported to hospital with non-life threating injuries.
About 11pm, officers executed a search warrant at the residence locating a modified black air rifle with a scope.
The man who was subject to an arrest warrant for failing to answer bail, is expected to face the ACT Magistrate’s Court today (Friday, 26 December 2025) charged with aggravated assault ABH on pregnant woman (FV), aggravated common assault (FV), unauthorised use of prohibited firearm, four counts of discharge firearm endanger life and attempt assault frontline community service provider.
ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence.
If you are in this situation – when it is safe to do so – please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.
If you require assistance, you can contact:
- Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
- Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance.
- The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.
- The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6247 2525