Milton Keynes Rail Station Knifeman Died in Suspected ‘Suicide by Cop’: Cannabis-Smoker Shot Dead After Calling 999 on Himself
A man shot dead by police outside Milton Keynes Central rail station may have deliberately engineered the deadly encounter, having called 999 to report a fictitious gunman — who was in fact himself.
David Joyce, 38, was fatally shot by armed officers on Friday morning after he ran towards them wielding a knife. In a chilling twist, it has now emerged that Joyce had made the emergency call that drew police to the scene, falsely claiming that a man with a firearm was “about to do something bad.”
Police raced to the busy station in response to the 999 alert, which had suggested a serious threat to public safety. When they arrived, they were confronted by Joyce, who advanced toward them holding a knife. Despite repeated warnings, Joyce did not stop, prompting officers to open fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sources close to the investigation have indicated the incident is being treated as a potential case of “suicide by cop” — a tragic scenario in which an individual intentionally provokes law enforcement into using lethal force against them.
Joyce, originally from the Bedfordshire area, had a long history of criminal behaviour and mental health struggles. He had only been released from prison a few months earlier after serving time for firearms offences. In 2021, he was convicted of making his own gun and possessing other illegal weapons. Authorities described him at the time as a danger to the public.
It is understood that Joyce had also battled cannabis addiction, with close acquaintances saying he smoked heavily and often exhibited paranoid behaviour in the days leading up to his death. One former associate described him as “troubled and spiralling,” adding, “He seemed to be looking for a way out.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a formal investigation into the incident, as is standard in all police shootings. Early findings confirm that Joyce made the 999 call himself, reporting a gunman in vague terms and warning that “something bad” was going to happen — without identifying that he was the alleged threat.
Body-worn footage from officers involved in the shooting has been retrieved and is currently being reviewed by investigators. Initial statements suggest that officers attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to deadly force.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said, “This was a fast-moving and highly dangerous situation. Armed officers responded to what they believed was an imminent threat to life. The matter has been referred to the IOPC, and we will fully support their independent investigation.”
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns about mental health support for recently released prisoners and the challenges faced by officers when dealing with potentially suicidal individuals in public settings.
Joyce’s family have been informed of his death. In a brief statement, they said they were “shocked and devastated” and urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.
The inquest into his death is expected to open in the coming weeks.
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