Constable Kirk's Harrowing Escape
Footage from Constable Randall Kirk's body worn camera captures the chilling moments he fled from a hail of gunfire, desperate to escape the clutches of three shooters who had tragically killed his colleagues in Wieambilla.
As gunshots erupted, Constable Kirk, then 28, scrambled for cover behind a tree before frantically calling his colleague, Sergeant Justin Drier, at the Chinchilla Police Station.
Bodycam Audio Reveals Desperation
The bodycam audio reveals Constable Kirk's desperate pleas: "Justin, Justin! He's got guns, he's shot us," and "He's got a rifle, he's coming over, f***!"
Ambush and Tragedy
Constable Kirk witnessed the horrific execution of his colleague, Constable Rachel McCrow, who was shot in the head at close range by one of the shooters believed to be Gareth Train.
Escape Under Fire
Realizing he was a target, Constable Kirk made a desperate dash for a nearby police car, approximately 100 meters away. Despite being shot at nine times and hit in the hip, he managed to reach the vehicle and flee the scene.
Inquest Reveals System Failures
The inquest into the Wieambilla massacre has also raised concerns about police systems and protocols. Despite warnings of gunshots and weapons, no serious flags were raised in the system when the shooters' names were searched.
Family's Grief and Questions
Judy McCrow, the mother of Constable Matthew Arnold, who was also killed in the ambush, expressed the family's heartbreak as "beyond repair." The McCrow and Arnold families' lawyer raised questions about potential missed opportunities in handling the missing person's report.
Operator's Emotional Testimony
Katherine Beilby, a police operator who handled the triple-0 call from Constable Keely Brough, who miraculously survived by hiding for over two hours, recounted her harrowing experience. Despite being advised by her supervisor to remain silent, Beilby recalled the anguish of witnessing Constable Brough's fear as the flames from the approaching fire intensified.
Inquest's Balancing Act
The ongoing inquest aims to understand the circumstances leading to the tragedy and identify areas for improvement. However, the challenge lies in navigating the delicate balance between seeking accountability while recognizing the pain and loss suffered by all involved.