A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman died near Newcastle overnight.
Just after 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 14 September 2023), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to a unit complex in Mitchell Street, Stockton, following reports a woman was threatening people with an axe.
On arrival, the 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened responding officers with the axe before barricading herself inside a unit.
A police operation commenced, with assistance from specialist tactical officers, including police negotiators, before police were able to gain entry to the property about 9.45pm
Police used a number of tactical options to take the woman into custody including the use of a Taser.
She was then escorted from the scene to an ambulance, however, her condition deteriorated a short time later, and she was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.
A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
