The leader of a police extraction team sent to rescue trapped constable Keely Brough from the Wieambilla ambush has recounted the intense moment he saw the officer emerge from scrub “running for her life” to escape the property. An inquest on Friday revealed gripping details from several officers involved in the rescue attempt, which was launched while shooters Gareth, Stacey, and Nathaniel Train were still nearby and considered “active armed offenders.”

Ambush Turns Deadly: A Tragic Loss

Hours before, the Trains had tragically shot and killed constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with civilian neighbor Alan Dare. Brough remained in dense bushland on the remote Wains Road property for several hours, as police set up a command post and decided to launch a rescue operation before specialist tactical officers arrived.

Command Decision: Speedy Response Needed

Sgt Werner Crous, upon arriving at the command post, assumed command and determined that the situation “needed to be resolved as quickly as possible.” Crous detailed how he needed four individuals for the mission, but was surprised to find many more volunteers willing to enter the dangerous situation.

Extraction Team’s Brave Measures

Sgt Andrew Gates, who became a de facto leader of the extraction team, described being advised by Crous to “prepare to engage” and rescue Brough. Gates recounted the challenging conditions as three carloads of police officers, some armed with rifles and others with police Glock pistols, entered the Wains Road property on foot. They encountered the bodies of Dare, McCrow, and Arnold and devised a color code – calling out “pink” and “blue” – to guide Brough to safety.

Desperate Escape and Tactical Response

Gates observed Brough emerge from the scrub and run down the driveway with a Glock in hand. He yelled for her to keep cover and stay with the tree line as she moved toward the fence line. Despite the danger, Gates saw Brough escape into the open and lose sight of her as the extraction team provided cover and retrieved the bodies of McCrow and Arnold.

Blocking the Entrance: A Critical Move

Police used a vehicle to break through the entrance and provide cover. Sen Sgt Christina Esselink, the most senior officer present, made the decision to use her vehicle to block the entrance, despite the risk. Her vehicle came under gunfire as she reached for her police tablet, and she described the scene as chaotic and extremely dangerous. Esselink’s quick thinking and bravery played a crucial role in containing the situation and preventing the shooters' escape.