A 59-year-old man from Mooroobool is facing serious charges after a dramatic confrontation with police in a Cairns suburb, which ended with officers discharging their firearms.
Police Respond to Armed Man in Kanimbla
Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers were called to the intersection of Elphinstone Street and Ramsey Drive in Kanimbla, Cairns, around 10:30am on Monday, November 18. The emergency call reported a man was wielding a knife in the area, prompting an immediate police response.
Upon arrival, the situation escalated rapidly. It is alleged the man, armed with the knife, then approached the responding police officers. In response to the perceived threat, one officer discharged their service weapon.
Officer Discharges Firearm, Man Hospitalised
The single shot struck the 59-year-old man below the shoulder. Police at the scene provided the man with immediate first aid and critical medical assistance before paramedics transported him to Cairns Hospital.
He was admitted in a critical condition. Following standard procedure, two separate crime scenes were established in the Kanimbla area to allow for a thorough forensic investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
Charges Laid as Investigation Continues
Fortunately, neither of the police officers involved sustained any physical injuries during the intense incident. After receiving treatment, the Mooroobool man was subsequently charged by investigators.
He has been charged with two counts of serious assault of police whilst armed. The man is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court at a later date, once his medical condition permits.
The Queensland Police Service has confirmed that investigations into the full sequence of events remain ongoing. The Ethical Standards Command is overseeing the probe, which is standard protocol for any incident involving police use of force.
