William Crews. "Bill was not just a fantastic police officer, he was a wonderful human being who had enormous respect from his peers, colleagues and friends," he said. Flanked by his parents, Sharon and Kel, he again appealed for privacy "through this difficult time". Police had gone to the premises in Cairds Avenue with a search warrant entitling them to search for drugs at the unit of Philip Nguyen. However, Mr Nguyen, who had taken what is believed to be the drug ice, was worried that rival dealers were after him and was already armed when police arrived.

When a group of officers went to the car park, Mr Nguyen allegedly fired a shot that hit Constable Crews in the arm. The 26-year-old trainee detective went down, clutching his arm. But as he regained his footing and stood up, Sergeant Roberts fired at Mr Nguyen. Tragically, his bullet struck his colleague in the head. A police source said that Sergeant Roberts was inconsolable in the aftermath of the shoot-out. He had a hunch that it was his bullet which had killed Crews. He is shattered. I don't know if he will ever get over this

"He had a hunch that it was his bullet which had killed Crews," the source said. The sergeant was so upset he had to be sedated the following day. "He is shattered," said a senior officer. "I don't know if he will ever get over this." His colleague said that Sergeant Roberts had an impeccable record and "is the best worker on the floor".

Constable Crews's family has met Sergeant Roberts and assured him they do not hold him responsible for Constable Crews's death. At a press conference this morning, Assistant Commissioner Dave Hudson said that, based on the evidence, the officer whose shot hit Constable Crews was not expected to face charges. He refused to release the officer's name. He said the officer had fired in the direction of the offender and was acting in self-defence. He said that five shots were fired as police tried to execute a search warrant in relation to drugs.

The first shot was fired by a 55-year-old man facing charges in relation to the incident and hit Constable Crews in the left arm. Constable Crews then returned fire with three shots in the direction of the offender. The fifth and fatal shot, which hit Constable Crews, was fired by a fellow police officer. Assistant Commissioner Hudson said the officer was doing it "very tough" at the moment and was receiving support. "Our heart goes out to him but it will be a long process for him to get back to any form of normality," he said.

The investigation was continuing and police said they would not rule out further charges. Assistant Commissioner Hudson said that the Crews family wished to thank the public for their support through the ordeal. A funeral for Constable Crews will be held at St Andrew's Cathedral on Thursday. Mr Nguyen has been charged with shooting with intent to murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, firing a firearm in a manner likely to injure persons and two counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm. He will reappear in Burwood Local Court on November 3.

Kate McClymont is a Senior Reporter at the Herald. - with Nadia Jamal and AAP

