A brave police officer who fatally shot the attacker Joel Cauchi during the Bondi Junction incident reportedly moved two women with prams and another child out of the way just before a stray bullet landed nearby, according to a court hearing.
On April 13, 2024, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing spree at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center in Sydney, killing six people and injuring ten others.
The victims included Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young, and Pikria Darchia.
Inspector Amy Scott was the one who fatally shot Cauchi during the chaos.
A five-week coronial inquest began on Monday, focusing on Cauchi’s mental state before and during the attack, including whether he specifically targeted individuals or groups.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks, who was assigned as the Senior Critical Incident Investigator and Officer in Charge by the NSW Police Force after the incident, testified in court on the first day of the inquest, stating that Inspector Scott fired a total of three rounds.
Two of these bullets hit Cauchi, while the third bullet struck a pot plant across the shopping center’s air bridge.
Lieutenant Marks mentioned that at least two women with strollers and another child were near where the third bullet landed, but Inspector Scott had already instructed them to move away.
He expressed admiration for Inspector Scott’s actions during the attack.
“The investigation determined that Inspector Scott discharged her firearm lawfully, adhering to all policies and procedures. She acted bravely and professionally,” Inspector Marks shared with the court.
“During our interviews, I was struck by her remarkable ability to recall the incident,” he added.
He noted that Inspector Scott had been vigilant about her surroundings and initially refrained from drawing her weapon due to the crowded nature of the location.
“(She) ensured that everyone was behind her to avoid any potential harm from the offender … and confirmed that customers and shop staff in the area were kept safe,” Inspector Marks stated.
Inspector Scott is anticipated to testify on Tuesday, during the second day of the inquest.
