Deadly Ambush on Australian Police Leaves 6 Dead, Including 2 Officers

A supplied undated combined image obtained Dec.13, 2022 shows Constable Matthew Arnold (left) and Constable Rachel McCrow who were killed in an ambush at a remote Queensland property in Australia. Police have shot dead three people at a remote property on Queensland's Darling Downs after an ambush in which two officers and a bystander were killed. AAP Image/Supplied by Queensland Police

Six individuals have been shot and killed in a deadly shootout after police officers were ambushed by three individuals in the Western Downs region of Queensland, Australia, on Dec. 12.

At around 4:30 p.m., four police officers were initially called to investigate a missing person report for a Nathaniel Train at a property on Wains Rd in Wieambilla, near the inland town of Chincilla.

Two young constables, Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, were hit with a “hail of gunshots” as they jumped a fence to access the house,  according to Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers.

The pair fell, forcing their colleagues to take cover with one fleeing into the bushes around the property.

“The ruthless, murderous trio have then gone and executed the two police, our fallen officers, who were on the ground. They have executed them in cold blood,” Leavers told ABC Radio National on Dec. 13.

A neighbour, 58-year-old Alan Dare, was also gunned down and shot in the back after going out to investigate.

“That is just an absolute tragedy as well,” said Leavers.

The shooters then tried to flush out the female officer who had taken cover in the long grass by setting it on fire.

“She actually believed that she was either going to be shot or she was going to be burnt alive,” Leavers added, later saying the attackers were attempting to coax her into standing up so they could fire on her.

From her position, officer Keely Brough, called for backup and sent goodbye text messages to family.

Siege Ensues, Police Kill 3 Suspects

A siege situation ensued and an emergency declaration was made encompassing the area of Chinchilla Tara Rd, Wieambilla Rd, Bennetts School Rd, and Mary Street.

A local sergeant responded to a distress call with 15 officers who worked to retrieve the bodies of the slain officers.

Tactical police officers and PolAir, the aerial support arm of the police force, also responded.

By 10:30 p.m. the three attackers had been killed in a firefight with law enforcement.

It was later revealed that the two assailants were brothers Nathaniel Train (the subject of the missing person report) and Gareth (Gavin) Train.

The third person is believed to be the partner of one of the brothers.

Nathaniel Train was formerly a principal at Yorkeys Knob State School in Cairns, and at Walgett Primary School in northern New South Wales.

Meanwhile, Brough and her colleague remain in hospital.

Response

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the incident was devastating for the victims’ families and the entire police organisation.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the officers’ families, friends, and colleagues and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time,” she said in a statement.

“I would like to pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond this evening.

“Tragically, this is the largest loss of life the [Queensland Police Force] has suffered in one single incident in recent times.”

She revealed at a later press conference that “considerable weaponry” was found at the scene and that the escape of the two officers who initially attended the property was a “miracle.”

“When you are in that scene walking towards the house and where this apparently took place, they were in an exposed area, and I cannot believe that two officers got out alive,” she told reporters.

Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have responded to the event.

“Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. My condolences to all who are grieving tonight—Australia mourns with you,” Albanese wrote on Twitter.

While Dutton, a former police officer in Queensland, said the attack was “deeply distressing.”

AAP contributed to this article. This is a developing story.