A 62-year-old man has died in police custody after seriously injuring himself during the execution of a search warrant at his Palmerston home in the Northern Territory. The incident, now the subject of a death in custody investigation, occurred early Friday morning at a residence in Rosebery.
NT Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Travis Wurst said officers from the Joint Anti-Child Abuse Taskforce — comprising NT Police and Australian Federal Police — entered the property at around 7:00am. Inside, they located the man and his wife before proceeding with the search.
During the operation, the man reportedly obtained a knife and inflicted severe self-harm. While he did not threaten the officers, one NT Police officer sustained a hand injury while attempting to restrain him.
The man collapsed shortly afterward, prompting immediate first aid from officers at the scene. St John Ambulance personnel arrived soon after, but despite their efforts, the man died from his injuries.
His wife was present throughout the incident and is receiving welfare support. Acting Deputy Commissioner Wurst described the event as “a really quite graphic and traumatic scene” for both officers and family members.
Given the circumstances, NT Police have formally declared the matter a death in custody. The Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation on behalf of the coroner, with all witnesses and evidence secured.
Body-worn camera footage from the officers involved will form part of the investigative brief. Authorities have not released details about the nature of the investigation or the reasons for the search warrant, citing the sensitivity of the case.
An AFP spokesperson confirmed the search warrant was part of a joint investigation between federal and NT Police. Lancewood Street in Rosebery remains closed as forensic teams gather evidence.
This incident adds to ongoing national discussions around procedures, safety, and mental health considerations during police operations.
