Qld: Shooting "unavoidable": police

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2008
Qld: Shooting "unavoidable": police

By Evan Schwarten and Gabrielle Dunlevy

BRISBANE, Aug 17 AAP - Queensland police have defended two north Queensland officers
who shot a man early today, saying they had no alternative when he ran at them with a
knife.

A 31-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition in Cairns Hospital after he
was shot three times outside a home in Edmonton, south of Cairns, about 3am (AEST).

Cairns Acting Superintendent Maurice Carless said officers called to the address in
Fitzmaurice Drive by a number of concerned residents were confronted by the man armed
with a knife.

They tried to negotiate with him but he ran at them.

Supt Carless said two senior constables fired a number of shots, striking him in the
body, arm and leg.

He received treatment at the scene from ambulance officers and a local doctor before
being taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.

"From early indications it appears the actions of the officers were justifiable and
unavoidable," Supt Carless told AAP.

He said the two officers were receiving counselling.

Senior investigators and forensic staff are at the scene and police from the Ethical
Standards Command are expected to arrive later today to overview the investigation.

The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has also been advised.

Premier Anna Bligh said she would not jump to any conclusions about whether police
used excessive force or not.

Ms Bligh said the public could be assured there would be a thorough investigation.

"Until that investigation has been allowed to proceed I think it would be premature
for anyone to be speculating about the causes or any of the outcomes," she told reporters
in Brisbane today.

"Our police are out there doing a very tough job and they're often in a very dangerous situation.

"Equally, citizens are entitled to expect reasonable behaviour from our police. So,
let's wait and see before we jump to any conclusions."

AAP ews/jt/cdh

KEYWORD: SHOOTING LEAD

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