WA Police have released a photo and description of Lachlan Bowles, 25, who was last seen in the Kellerberrin area at about 8:40am on Thursday morning.
An alleged gunman has been rushed to hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a tense confrontation with police.
Lachlan Bowles, 25, is said to have shot his father dead around 8:40 a.m. on Thursday before going on the run.
Residents of Kellerberrin, 200 km east of Perth in the Wheatbelt Region, were told by police to stay indoors after gunshots were fired at a grain silo in the area.
Text messages between two locals in the city in which an active gunman shot and killed a man who was on the loose have provided insight into the chaos in the city as police swarmed in.
WA police allege Bowles, 25, was on the run for several hours before arriving at a ‘rural location outside of Kellerberrin’, where he barricaded himself inside.
A local man told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Bowles went to the Moylan Grain Silos in Kellerberrin and reportedly ‘shot someone about 25 times’.
“My friends were working down the street and heard some gunshots and then the city was swarming with police,” he said.
His father is said to be an employee in a grain business.
A local man told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Bowles went to the Moylan Grain Silos in Kellerberrin and reportedly ‘shot someone about 25 times’.
Mr Bowles (pictured) had reportedly fled the scene and was missing for several hours before being located at a ‘rural location outside Kellerberrin’ where police are negotiating with him
Mr Bowles, a volunteer ambulance officer, was reportedly seen in camouflage clothing in the Kellerberrin area at the time of the shooting.
While the police confirmed that they’trying to negotiate a peaceful solution’ with Mr Bowles in the countryside, ‘the situation is still unfolding’.
Residents in the area are advised to remain alert. It has been confirmed that one man has since died and the homicide department is investigating,” police said.
Mr Bowles, who has a firearms license, is said to be armed with at least one weapon with a range of 3km, The West Australian reported.
All facilities and public events in the Shire of Merredin, which includes Kellerberrin, have been canceled until further notice. Armored police cars patrol the tense scene.
“Please note that all Shire facilities will be closed until further notice, as per WAPOL advice to stay indoors due to the ongoing incident at Kellerberrin,” read a statement from the county council.
“We are monitoring the situation and are aware that a korfball final will be played at the Rec Center tonight.”
“The facilities will reopen as soon as we receive advice that this is possible.”
Mr Bowles is a Volunteer Ambulance Officer of St John WA and was decorated for his services in 2021
All facilities and public events in the Shire of Merredin, which includes Kellerberrin, have been canceled until further notice. Armored police cars patrol the tense scene
Mr Bowles is a Volunteer Ambulance Officer of St John WA and was decorated for his services to the community on Australia Day 2021.
The shooting allegedly happened at Moylan Grain Silos, with locals saying the gunman fired at several people.
Tony, owner of the local Kellerberrin Pie Shop and Bakery, claimed to know the deceased man.
“It’s local guys this has happened to,” Tony told The West Australian.
“The deceased man was only in my shop on Friday. We talked about his plans for Father’s Day.’
The locals of Kellerberrin received a text warning them to stay indoors while the incident unfolded
Locals have described Mr Bowles as a ‘good boy’, expressing their shock at reports that he was allegedly involved in the shooting.
“He was a good boy from a good family,” one wrote.
Mr. Bowles was believed to be driving a 2007 Gray Holden Commodore, with license plates 1CRB764.
A large number of police resources have been deployed.
Police were supposed to hold a press conference, but it was postponed due to “operational requirements.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.
The residents of Kellerberrin, 200km east of Perth, have been told by police to stay indoors after gunfire was fired at a grain silo in the area around 8:40am on Thursday.