Aborigine's shooting death sparks mistrust

The fatal shooting of an Aboriginal man by police during an incident in NSW's
northwest has sparked fear and mistrust, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
says.
Mark Mason was shot dead on November 11 in Collarenebri following a car chase and an
alleged assault.
Police confronted the 44-year-old at a home in Barwon Street and allege he began
attacking a senior constable with a tyre lever.
NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Alan Clarke said at the time that officers had
no other option but to open fire, after attempts to subdue Mr Mason with capsicum
spray and a stun gun failed.
Speaking on the eve of Mr Mason's funeral, NSWALC chairman Bev Manton was critical
of the handling of the case, saying police should have waited for a full
investigation before commenting.
There was now fear and mistrust of the police, she added.
"There have already been several premature media statements made by police before
the facts have been fully correlated and the investigation completed," Ms Manton
said in a statement on Monday.
"One of these claims has been the conclusion that the police had exhausted all other
options.
"I find it difficult to believe police would be so forthcoming in making these sorts
of statements if it hadn't been one of their own involved."
The shooting happened after police responded to reports of an assault in Collarenebri.
Two officers arriving at the scene saw the man driving away and gave chase, and
their car was then allegedly rammed.
Some three hours later, the same officers entered the Barwon Street house. There Mr
Mason allegedly attacked them with the tyre lever and shots were fired.
Ms Manton said it was crucial that police conduct a thorough investigation into the
case, adding that Mr Mason would be buried on Tuesday at Walgett.
A critical incident team of homicide squad detectives was formed after the death.
A police spokesman told AAP on Monday that the investigation was still ongoing.