A man is currently in serious condition after being shot in the chest by police during a confrontation in the northern suburbs of Hobart early this morning.

The Tasmania Police have initiated a professional standards inquiry into the event and are providing support to the officers involved.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to reach out to the police.

The individual remains in a serious but stable condition following the shooting, which occurred during a confrontation in Goodwood, located north of Hobart, shortly after 4:30 AM.

According to Southern District Commander Jason Elmer, police were called to respond to a suspected trespassing incident at a residence in the area. Upon resolving this matter, it was discovered that the man present was wanted for an unrelated issue.

Commander Elmer explained that the individual retreated into the house and allegedly threatened officers, suggesting he was armed. “At approximately 5:50 AM, the man was in the front yard and approached police while continuing to make threats,” he stated.

In response, police used pepper spray, and two officers discharged their weapons. “The man was struck by a single round to the center of his chest,” Commander Elmer added.

He noted that officers repeatedly instructed the man to show his hands, which he refused to do. “When the firearm was discharged, the officers believed he was armed,” Commander Elmer said, though it was later confirmed that the man was not in possession of a weapon.

Items were removed from the scene for investigation purposes, but Commander Elmer did not specify what those items were.

The man received immediate medical attention from the police at the scene before being transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he currently remains in serious but stable condition. Authorities confirmed that the man was alone at the property and no other individuals were harmed.

Commander Elmer described the incident as “distressing,” acknowledging the impact on the young officers involved. “These officers faced a critical incident that most members of the public will never experience in their lifetime,” he remarked.

He reaffirmed his support for the attending officers, stating, “We will provide them with ongoing wellbeing support. They will have to return to work, not knowing what lies ahead, and they have my full backing for their actions this morning.”

A comprehensive professional standards investigation is currently in progress. Witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident are encouraged to contact the police.