Lachlan Bowles is accused of shooting local father Terry Czernowski at the Moylan Grain Silos on Mather Road,Kellerberrin – 200 kilometres east of Perth – about 8.40am on Thursday morning before engaging in a stand-off with police about 20 kilometres north of the town.
A stand-off between police and an alleged shooter in the WA town of Kellerberrin has come to an end.
In a press conference on Thursday afternoon,Commander of Regional WA Rod Wilde confirmed Bowles had turned the weapon on himself after several hours of police negotiations.
Wilde said Bowles,who was not known to police but is understood to have held several licensed firearms,also allegedly shot at a passing car after fleeing the scene. The driver was not injured.
It is understood Bowles and Czernowski had worked together at Moylan Grain Silos for several years.
Lachlan Bowles died after a stand-off with police.WA Police
Wilde thanked the police officers and emergency services personnel who descended on the town in the hours after the incident for their bravery during the rapidly evolving situation,as well as residents.
“Obviously,it’s a tragic outcome for everyone involved,” Wilde said.
Police issued an active shooter alert on Thursday morning,saying Bowles was believed to be on foot and dressed in camouflage and urged residents in the area to take shelter.
“Members of the public are advised to not approach Mr Bowles or the vehicle[he was driving],but contact police immediately on triple zero,” a WA Police spokeswoman said.
An RAC rescue helicopter was dispatched to Kellerberrin on Thursday afternoon to remain on standby in case of further injuries.
Kellerberrin Pie Shop and Bakery owner Tony,who asked his last name not be used,said Bowles had only been to the shop a day earlier.
“He’s a lovely guy,” he said. “The whole family is lovely.”
The man said Bowles had received a community award in recent years and was a volunteer with St John Ambulance in the town.
He added that there were about 40 armed police in the town on Thursday morning.
“A large number of police resources have been deployed to the Wheatbelt area,” police said.
“One person has been injured and was conveyed to hospital via ambulance.”
Terry Czernowski was shot by colleague Lachlan Bowles.Facebook
Locals have been urged not to go outside until receiving further advice. Police also urged anyone near Mission Road in the Kellerberrin and Bencubbin areas to stay indoors and avoid travelling by any means.
A family day care operator in the town said she sent all the children in her care home to their families after she received the alert.
“It’s a bit shocking because it’s such a small town,” she said.
“I’m just waiting for a message to say that it’s safe to leave.”
Anyone with information should contact triple zero immediately.
Kellerberrin has a population of around 900 people and sits on the Great Eastern Highway in the Wheatbelt.
With Rachael Clifford
Crisis support is available from on 13 11 14.