Five-Day Siege At Jubilee Pocket Concludes

A large section of Jubilee Pocket went into complete lockdown last Thursday afternoon when 44-year-old Paul Malcom Henderson, who was believed to be suffering an acute mental health episode, barricaded himself in the upstairs bedroom of his unit on Erromango Drive.

The exclusion zone included 100 metres encompassing Shute Harbour Road, Penticost Street, Cedar Crescent and Jubilee Pocket Road.

The situation began when a mental health care team attended the property to check on the welfare of its inhabitants.

They expressed concern to the Police who attended the property at 11.45am on Thursday, May 18.

It was established that, the Mr Henderson who had barricaded himself inside, was armed with a compound bow and wearing body armour. At this point, he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.

By 4pm that afternoon, officers had blocked off the entire street and all direct neighbours in the apartment complex were not permitted to return home.

At approximately 6pm, up to 30 officers wearing military clothing had arrived at the scene with semi-automatic weapons.

During the evening, Police smashed windows on the property and drones were deployed to gather better intel.

On Saturday afternoon, police were confident that Mr Henderson posed "no threat to the community, however members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution."

By Sunday, motorists were allowed to leave Erromango Drive but not permitted to return once they did.

Neighbours, still not able to return to their homes, had now been displaced for the fourth night in a row with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on Thursday afternoon.

During the course of Sunday night, it is understood that fire hoses were used to spray water through the upstairs bedroom.

By the early hours of Monday morning, officers could no longer see Mr Henderson pacing around and, concerned for his safety, they entered the property at 7am making the arrest.

It is understood that he was found exhausted and unable to move.

Over the 5-day period, it is alleged that up to 20 arrows were fired at police and witnesses reported that, during the siege, police sounded a piercing alarm every five minutes.

No-one was injured but damage to emergency service vehicles was sustained.

Throughout the incident, police attempted to talk to Mr Henderson over a loudspeaker and by attempting to call his mobile phone, but at no point did he respond.

He has now been charged with six counts of attempted murder and two counts of wilful damage of police property.

If this incident or any of the content you have read has caused concern or distress for you or your family members, particularly children, please reach out for help and support by contacting:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

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