A 29-year-old man is dead after being shot by police in Perth's east on Thursday evening.

WA Police said the man was in the passenger side in a sedan armed with a shotgun when pulled over on Owen Road in Darlington.

"The officers have fired their weapons and the man received a number of gunshot wounds," a statement from WA Police said.

"Police administered first aid and St Johns Ambulance attended."

The shooting is understood to have happened near the local tennis club and a local park.

Darlington resident Guenevere Measham and her children left a nearby playground just moments before the shooting.

She said she was shocked to find out what had happened.

"(I was) obviously surprised that that would happen in a community like this ... it just reminds us again how blessed we are, but also we have to be vigilant about taking care of ourselves and our children and making sure we always keep a watchful eye as a community," she said.

"I have full support for the police force and what they did, and I'm sure they had to make a very quick decision at that moment to ensure there was no further damage, because obviously someone who is on the loose with a weapon is after something not good and the police were there to protect us."

Today, Assistant Commissioner of State Crime Michelle Fyfe said police stopped the man because he was suspected of stealing firearms during a burglary in York in January.

"The suspect was located by police including members of the Tactical Response Group in Darlington," she said.

"When ordered by police to get out of the vehicle, the suspect produced a shotgun and directed it towards officers.

"The suspect was challenged by police to put the gun down but refused to do so.

"Tactical Response Group officers discharged their firearms and the suspect was incapacitated."

Deceased did not fire his gun

Ms Fyfe said the firearm the man was holding was examined and believed to have been stolen.

It was loaded at the time of the incident but the deceased man did not fire any shots.

Several police officers shot at the man, who received a number of gunshot wounds while still seated.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michelle Fyfe said police shootings in Western Australia were rare. ( ABC News: Emily Piesse )

"At this early stage, investigations indicate that the police officers involved acted lawfully and in line with their training, policies and procedures," the Assistant Commissioner said.

Both internal affairs and the major crime squad are investigating.

"Events such as this are rare in Western Australia but, that said, being involved in a shooting incident is something all police officers dread," she said.

"That happened last night and it is clearly traumatic for all involved, the family and friends of the deceased, the officers themselves and their families."

She said officers administered first aid, and the man was taken to St John of God Hospital in Midland where he was pronounced dead.

The officers involved are receiving support and assistance from WA police and police union.

"It is a difficult time for them … it is every police officer's worst nightmare," Ms Fyfe said.

"No-one goes to work wanting this to be the outcome of their night's work."

The driver of the car is helping police with their inquires.

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact police.