A 19-year-old male has died after being shot by a police officer in the remote, Indigenous community of Yuendumu, about 300km from Alice Springs.
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Northern Territory Police confirmed the death early this morning, after the man had been taken to hospital on Saturday night in a critical condition.
Little information has been released by police following the incident.
Acting deputy commissioner Michael White briefed media this morning and confirmed there had been no medical staff in the community, as there had been a number of break-ins and they had decided to evacuate.
Mr White said two shots had been fired after police went to his residence to arrest the man who had breached parole.
"The situation that I have been briefed on is that two officers attended the residence and attempted to apprehend him for outstanding offences, during that time a struggle ensued and two shots were fired and he sadly passed away," he said.
Mr White said the man had "lunged" at the police officers - who had worked in Central Australia "for quite some time" - armed with a weapon.
Medical assistance from a neighbouring community was called on for help, but police have not said how long it took for them to arrive.
"We provided first aid within our training, unfortunately that is all that he could receive," Mr White said.
A police officer is said to have received a wound to the shoulder during the incident.
"As part of the investigation, all people will be investigated and provide their account of the event and that will be presented to the coroner," Mr White said.
He said no decisions had been made about whether the officers will be made to step down.
The investigation is being overseen by a senior investigator in charge from the major crimes unit and a coronial investigation will be held.
Mr White said he hoped the officers' body worn cameras were being used and that the "key priority at the moment is to ensure the wellbeing of the family...and to make sure we can maintain community safety."
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