Queensland police shooting: Details revealed alleged knife-wielding man shot outside Kingaroy Hospital
A man shot by police after allegedly wielding a knife outside a hospital in Queensland remains in a critical condition after emergency surgery.
Queensland Police have released more details of the terrifying incident, which happened overnight at Kingaroy Hospital in the State’s South East.
Det-Supt. George Marchesini, the regional crime coordinator of the Southern Police Region, said officers were called to the hospital on Friday night around 7pm amid reports a man was wielding a knife inside the hospital.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.When officers arrived, the man was outside the hospital, allegedly still wielding the knife.
The man was shot by police. He was airlifted from the scene to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition after emergency surgery.
Det-Supt Marchesini said he could not confirm how many officers used their weapons or how many bullets were fired.
“At this point in time, we’re not able to make any comment (about the number of shots fired) as it’s still under investigation,” he said.
“Can I just say that this has been a traumatic incident for all involved, and our officers are receiving professional support as we speak.”
Det-Supt Marchesini said the man was known to police and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The Courier-Mail reported a witness, Les Lane, as saying the man was “agitated” while inside the hospital before the shooting.
He said the man went inside the toilet after talking to staff and when he came out, he allegedly had a knife in his hand.
“It was a kitchen knife, about 20cm long,” he said.
Det-Supt Marchesini confirmed that when the five police officers arrived at the scene, the man was out the front of the hospital.
Mr Lane claims he heard one gunshot fired.
“After the gunshot it would’ve been 30 seconds before they were calling for paramedics and they went out and rendered assistance,” he said.
The shooting will be subject to a police investigation with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Police have asked for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
