Driver Shot Dead by Police After Crash Identified as Father of Six

Danny Di Biccari, a father of six, has been identified as the man fatally shot by police after allegedly raising a rifle at officers who attended a crash in southern New South Wales.

Emergency crews were called to a rural road in Rugby, about 84km north of Yass, shortly before 3pm on Sunday after Mr Di Biccari’s Chrysler station wagon struck a tree.

Witnesses contacted triple-0 after reportedly finding him unconscious behind the wheel. One caller is understood to have warned that a firearm could be inside the vehicle.

According to NSW Police, officers from the Hume Police District approached the wreck to provide first aid before Mr Di Biccari allegedly confronted them while holding a rifle.

Police shot him several times and attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.

Mr Di Biccari was pronounced dead at the scene.

His sister-in-law, Tahya Gardner, confirmed his death in an emotional social media tribute published on Tuesday.

“Behind everything that happened, there was a person – a brother, a father, a son, a family member and a friend,” Ms Gardner wrote.

Ms Gardner also urged people to remember Mr Di Biccari as more than the circumstances surrounding the fatal police shooting.

“He was a good person who was loved deeply by the people who knew him, and he leaves behind children who now have to grow up without their dad.”

She said the sudden loss had left the family devastated, adding that his loved ones would hold on to memories of his smile, laughter and the happier moments they shared.

Police records show Mr Di Biccari had previously been involved in gun-related offences and was subject to a firearms prohibition order.

Despite the difficulties he had faced, Ms Gardner said his children would feel his absence deeply.

“My heart breaks for all of his children. They deserved more time with their dad – more birthdays, more memories, more hugs, more conversations and more chances to tell him how much they loved him,” she wrote.

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“Whatever struggles he may have faced in life, they do not erase the good that was in him or the love his family had for him.”

Ms Gardner said his children should grow up knowing that their father was loved and that his life mattered to those closest to him.

“He may no longer be here physically but he will always be a part of his family’s lives and forever live on through his children,” she wrote.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty praised the “bravery” of the officers who approached the crashed vehicle and tried to provide medical assistance despite being aware that a firearm was reportedly present.

‘As they approached that vehicle, they tried to speak and communicate with that person who did not respond,’ Commissioner Hegarty said on Monday.

‘He then took possession of a firearm and pointed it directly at the police officer. At that point, I can confirm that police opened fire and he was struck with a number of rounds.

‘I can confirm that that firearm was a loaded firearm.

‘They were trying to get to the person to render assistance and check on his condition. They were quite brave walking up to that point so I commend them for their bravery.’

Mr Di Biccari was only a few minutes’ drive from the property he shared with his partner and four of their children. 

Police will investigate whether the crash was an accident, self-harm attempt, or a plot to lure officers into a trap. 

A crime scene was established at the crash site and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad has commenced a critical incident investigation.

That investigation will be the subject of an independent review by the NSW Police Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.