Woman shot in crossfire during stand-off with armed man in Mount Sheridan
A man who witnessed a tense police standoff was shot after officers fired multiple shots at a 28-year-old man carrying a knife.
Both a 50-year-old woman and the gunman suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries following the incident in the Cairns suburb of Mount Sheridan. Both remained hospitalized Sunday.
Deputy Commissioner Graeme Paine said the “very dynamic” situation was escalating rapidly.
Around 5pm on Saturday evening, several residents near Benjamina Street called Triple Zero to report a man with a knife on the street.
Paine said the 28-year-old broke into two homes.
“During these break-ins, the man confronted the occupants and allegedly stole two large knives before running out into the street,” Paine said.
The deputy commissioner said the man was reported to have blood on him.
Polair, the dog team, and general and tactical officers were sent to the scene.
Officers found the man armed with knives at a nearby intersection connecting Hardy Road, Foster Road and Lizard Street around 5.30pm.
Paine said the intersection was a “heavy residential and traffic area” and officers yelled at the man to drop his weapons before trying to use their vehicles to block their exit.
“The male was still moving and still holding the knives,” Paine said.
He said three police officers shot at the man.
A 50-year-old woman standing outside the front door of her nearby property was hit in the lower leg by a stray bullet.
Paine said the 28-year-old man was shot in the elbow and upper leg and suffered “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”
No police officers were injured during the incident.
The deputy commissioner did not question whether the 28-year-old was moving towards the three officers when they opened fire, but said he was satisfied the officers responded appropriately.
“Officers were facing a very challenging situation, a dynamic situation with a significant level of threat,” Paine said.
He said the incident would be investigated “holistically” by the Ethical Standards Command.
“Significant investigative strategies will be implemented and will include everything from officers’ versions to witness statements.” [and] CCTV.”
Queensland Police Association published Statement made on Saturday night He confirmed he was providing field support to three police officers.
Investigations into alleged thefts on Benjamina Street were continuing on Sunday.
Police declared crime scenes at two homes on Saturday, and forensic experts examined the properties Sunday morning.
Paine said he could not detail anything else that might have been taken from the homes and urged anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage, or who may have heard anything, to come forward.
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