Man shot dead after crashing car and allegedly pointing gun at NSW police

A man died after being shot by officers in country New South Wales on Sunday, following a single-vehicle crash north of Yass. Police say the driver allegedly aimed a loaded rifle at them during a welfare check.

Officers had been called after a station wagon left the road and struck a tree about 84 kilometres north of the town. When they arrived, they found the driver still inside and seemingly unconscious, and moved closer to offer help.

A police spokesperson, Hegarty, said members of the public had reported the man was unresponsive and had handled a gun inside the vehicle. Officers tried to speak with him as they approached but received no reply.

The driver has not been formally identified but is believed to be 45 years old. Hegarty said he was known to police and had previously faced firearm charges. The shooting will be independently examined by the professional standards command, with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.