Passer-by who stopped Tas gunman praised

Tasmanian police have praised the bravery of a passer-by who disarmed a man accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife in the head.

Huon Valley man Klaus Dieter Neubert, 73, appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday charged with murdering 37-year-old Olga Neubert.

Police say the woman was shot in Risdon Road, New Town at 3.15pm after her estranged husband stopped her car then fired several shots.

Her companion, a 53-year-old woman, who received injuries to her hand and arm, is in a stable condition in hospital.

Neubert was arrested at the scene after he was restrained by passing motorist Bill Yabsley.

Ms Neubert was taken to Royal Hobart Hospital but later died.

Detective Inspector Ian Whish-Wilson said the shooting took place in a public area in front of many witnesses.

"This is a brutal and tragic event," he said.

Det Insp Whish-Wilson said a member of the public went to the women's aid while Mr Yabsley disarmed the gunman and restrained him until police arrived.

"This was an extremely brave act," he said.

Neubert has also been charged with causing grievous bodily harm to the second woman and a range of firearm offences.

These includes charges of possessing a firearm while not the holder of a firearms licence, possessing a shortened firearm, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, and using an unregistered firearm.