Inspector Amy Scott makes hero move before stray bullet in Bondi Junction attack
The hero cop who fatally shot killer Joel Cauchi during the Bondi Junction attack moved two women pushing prams and another young child out of the way moments before a stray bullet landed in their area, a court has been told.
Joel Cauchi, 40, killed six people and injured 10 during a stabbing rampage at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney’s east on April 13, 2024.
Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young and Pikria Darchia were all killed in the attack.
Inspector Amy Scott shot Cauchi shot dead during the incident.
A five-week coronial inquest into Cauchi’s “state of mind” both before the fatal attack and on the day, including whether he may have targeted any particular individuals or groups, began on Monday.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks, who was appointed the Senior Critical Incident Investigator and Officer in Charge NSW Police Force following the attack, told the court during the first day of the inquest that Inspector Scott fired three bullets in total.
Two hit Cauchi, while a third went into a pot plant further across the air bridge in the shopping centre.
He said there were at least two women pushing prams and another young child in the area where the third bullet landed, however Inspector Scott had previously communicated to them to move away.
He said he was in awe of Inspector Scott’s conduct throughout the attack.
“The (police) investigation found that Inspector Scott discharged her firearm lawfully and within all policies and procedure. She acted bravely and professionally,” Inspector Marks told the court.
“Upon interviewing Inspector Scott, I was in awe of her ability to recall the situation that she was faced with.”
He said Inspector Scott was aware of her surroundings and had initially not drawn her firearm as it was a crowded shopping centre.
“(She) made sure she had everybody behind her so they could not be in the way of the offender … the fact that she ensured the customers and the shop assistants within that area … stayed inside,” Inspector Marks said.
Inspector Scott is expected to give evidence on Tuesday during the second day of the inquest.