Police have discharged a firearm during a disturbance in Holder last night (Thursday, January 27).
At about 8.30pm ACT Policing responded to a domestic violence incident between a male and female at a unit complex in Holder.
The disturbance was taking place outside the complex when police arrived. Police witnessed a man in his 50s in possession of what appeared to be an axe. After ignoring police direction to drop the weapon, police have discharged a firearm. A single shot was fired.
The man was given first aid by the attending police officers and was later treated at the scene by ACT Ambulance Service. He was transported to The Canberra Hospital shortly after in a stable condition.
Acting Deputy Chief Police Officer Michael Chew said that the discharge of a firearm by a police officer is a rarity for ACT Policing and such an incident will be investigated.
“The community recognises that by its very nature, policing can and is a dangerous occupation. Members are trained in the use and discharging of their weapons and use-of-force options. We treat this aspect of a police officer’s responsibility very seriously and our officers are diligent in its application,” Acting Deputy Chief Police Officer Chew said.
The incident is being investigated by the AFP’s Professional Standards Unit.
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