On Friday, November 28 2008 the North West Star reported on a three hour siege near Healy State Primary School.

“Mount Isa Police have taken a suspected gunman into custody after parts of the city went into lockdown yesterday (Thursday, November 27 2008),” it was reported.

“The three hour siege occurred just a few hundred metres from a primary school during the busy end of day pick up.

“Police said they received a triple 0 call at about 1pm.

“Witnesses told police they allegedly saw the man carrying a .22-250 rifle.

“Police immediately called a state of emergency in the area and cordoned off the streets surrounding the workplace.

“It is believed the incident arose from a workplace disagreement at a business on Duke Street.

“More than 20 police wearing bulletproof vests directed traffic away from Thompson and Duchess roads and evacuated surrounding businesses.

“Police said at no time were the lives of children at risk.”