Man fatally shot by police after crashing car into tree

An independent review will be conducted after a man was fatally shot by police in an incident north of Yass on Sunday afternoon.

NSW Police said officers were called to Corringle Lane near Rugby Road, Rugby, about 84km north of Yass, at about 2:50pm following reports a car had been driven into a tree.

A statement from police said a Chrysler station wagon had crashed into a tree and the driver appeared to be unconscious in the front of the car.

But when officers approached the man to provide assistance, he allegedly aimed a loaded rifle at them before being shot by police.

Police said they began to perform CPR but he died at the scene.

While the man has not yet been formally identified, he was known to police and they are "confident" he was 45 years old. 

Man pointed firearm 'directly' at officer: police

NSW Police southern region commander, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said it was too early to establish how many police discharged their firearms, but that six officers were on the scene at the time.

"As they approached that vehicle, they tried to speak and communicate with that person who did not respond," he said during a press conference on Monday morning. 

"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."

Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said a crime scene was established immediately and at 4pm on Sunday he declared it a critical incident, to be investigated by State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.

"This is a normal process," he said.

Police being offered support

Assistant Commissioner Hegarty issued his condolences to the man's family and friends.

"They've been going through some difficult times today ... my thoughts are with you,"

he said.

He also said his thoughts were with the first responders who were present at the time, particularly the police officers.

"They turned up to a job after a call of assistance from members of the public," he said.

"From that time they were involved in an incident that will probably stay with them and their families for the rest of their lives."

Assistant Commissioner Hegarty praised the conduct of the officers involved.

"They were quite close to the car ... they were trying to get to the person to render assistance and check on his condition," he said.

"They were quite brave walking up to that point, so I commend them for their bravery.

"We've already had professional health carers speak to them [and] engage with those officers. 

"My support is absolutely behind the police, and hopefully we can get through this whole incident well."

Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said the independent review will be conducted by the Professional Standards Command, with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.