A police officer and another man have been shot, with one left fighting for life, after officers were called out to what they thought would be a simple job. The incident occurred on Tamar Street in Annerley around 9:13am on Friday, when two officers, a 40-year-old senior constable and a first-year constable, responded to reports of disturbance.
Upon arrival, they found 26-year-old man armed with timber, acting erratically and trespassing on the property. According to police spokespersons, attempts to de-escalate the situation quickly turned physical when the man lunged for the senior constable’s firearm, discharging the weapon and injuring the officer.
The first-year constable then shot the armed man twice in the stomach after the senior constable sustained injuries to his inner thigh. This quick action by the junior officer was reportedly followed by the application of tactical first aid, including the use of a tourniquet on the senior constable’s leg, actions credited by Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman as potentially lifesaving.
Despite the fact he had been shot twice, the 26-year-old remained agitated, prompting the need for backup crews to intervene with tasers. Both individuals were taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital after suffering serious injuries. Wildman mentioned, “You can appreciate any circumstance such as this are traumatic; there are numerous challenges these officers faced, both physically and psychologically.”
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman explained the senior constable is now believed to be stable, whereas the 26-year-old man is undergoing surgery and remains under serious condition. This unexpected escalation of events has rattled not just the individuals involved, but also the broader community and law enforcement.
Wildman described the incident as unusual, highlighting, “It was very traumatic for everyone involved, including for witnesses.” The police officer's firearm is reportedly of the Glock model, renowned for its built-in safety features, raising questions over how it discharged during the altercation. Investigations will be conducted by the Ethical Standards Command, which will work alongside the Crime and Corruption Commission to oversee the situation thoroughly.
Witnesses living nearby reported hearing screams before the shots were fired, and earlier disturbances were noted around 8:30am. Since the shooting, Tamar Street has been closed off as police established a crime scene to preserve evidence.
Premier David Crisafulli commented on the incident, emphasizing the respect the community holds for the Queensland Police Service. “These events send a shiver up your spine. It shows you why people respect the men and women in the Queensland police service so very much,” Crisafulli remarked, also expressing hopes for improvements to police safety during investigations following any wrongdoing, if proven.
The Queensland Police Service has released statements confirming the ethical responsibility of the investigations, emphasizing the significance of ensuring safety and accountability for its officers. The community refrains from drawing final conclusions as they await detailed investigations. Nevertheless, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement professionals, who often confront volatile situations where simple disturbances can explode with tragic consequences.
Additional information will be provided by police as the investigations progress, ensuring comprehensive insights can be shared with the public as details continue to emerge.