Investigation launched after Bethania man shot by police

A shocking new detail has been revealed from the shooting of a 48-year-old man who called police on himself and was claiming he had a hostage inside a unit south of Brisbane.

It has been revealed the gun with which a 48-year-old Bethania man was threatening police before he was shot was a replica.

The man was shot after police responded to a call for help at a unit block south of Brisbane overnight, with neighbours reporting hearing up to 10 gunshots during the incident.

Police were called to a unit block on Page St about 11pm On arrival police spotted a man inside a unit holding a gun.

A woman who was known to the man was also inside the unit. Police officers immediately tried to negotiate with the man.

Assistant district officer and Acting Superintendent Tod Reid said the man called police on himself, claiming he had a hostage inside the home and was also threatening to harm himself.

“An agitated male was threatening suicide and had a hostage inside,” Acting Supt Reid said.

“The firearm he was holding was recovered at the scene, it’s turned out to be a replica firearm, however I’ve been informed it has the appearance of a very real pistol.”

Police have shot a 48-year-old man at a unit block south of Brisbane after he allegedly walked towards them threatening them with a gun. Bethania Pic Steve Pohlner

Six officers attended the scene, including the two who fired their guns out of fear for their own safety.

Acting Supt Reid would not comment on how many bullets were discharged, stating it would form part of the investigation by the Ethical Standards Command.

However he did confirm there was no time for specialist crews, including trained negotiators, to be called to the scene, and the officers involved were general duty police.

“(Police) observed (the gun) on arrival, he had it in his possession,” Acting Supt Reid said.

“They (police) spoke with him through the door. He then opened the door and he pointed the pistol in their direction.

“After he opened the door, he pointed the firearm at them and they were fearing for their own lives and were forced to take that immediate action to stop that threat.”

Police have shot a 48-year-old man at a unit block south of Brisbane after he allegedly walked towards them threatening them with a gun. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Asked about the significant number of bullet holes in neighbouring homes, Acting Supt Reid said he “wouldn’t describe it as luck” that no one else was injured.

“There were a number of discharges of the firearm,” Acting Supt Reid said.

“I wouldn’t describe it as luck (that no one else was injured) but part of what ESC will look at as part of their investigation is the appropriateness of the response overall.”

He confirmed the female hostage inside the home was not physically injured during the shooting.

The pair were not in a relationship but were friends.

The officers involved are today taking critical incident leave, while the ESC continues its investigation, including to determine whether the officers involved used the appropriate level of force.

“ … (The initial) briefing indicates officers acted in accordance to training and policy,” Acting Supt Reid said.

“These sorts of jobs have impacts on people that sometimes last for long periods of time.”

The 48-year-old Bethania man was arrested and taken to hospital with a non-life threatening wound to his leg.

A man who lives next door to the unit has told of the moment he was woken to what he says was up to 10 gunshots.

The neighbour said it was about 11:30pm when he heard screaming and repeated gunshots.

“I was trying to look out my door but I was too scared to go out,” the man said.

“The police told me to stay where I was.”

The man said his neighbour, who was shot in the leg by police, was “a nice bloke,” and the pair had spoken frequently.

Police have shot a 48-year-old man at a unit block south of Brisbane after he allegedly walked towards them threatening them with a gun. Pic Steve Pohlner

The window of the one bedroom unit has been partially shattered by a bullet and there are two clear bullet holes in the brick pillar next to the front door.

Another stray bullet went straight through the neighbour’s lounge room window.

Fortunately the resident of that home had been in hospital overnight.

At least three units have been sprayed with stray bullets.

The brickwork of a unit about 10 metres away from the shooting scene was also clipped by a bullet.

The property manager of Bethania Retirement Village, which houses 32 people of varying ages, said she believes the man who was shot was in a state of distress before police were called.

“I know the guy that has been shot, he’s one of the residents here,” Francina Pruis said.

“He’s quite a normal, good guy and just lost it for the night.”

Ms Pruis said she’d counted about eight gunshots and a woman’s scream.

“I heard her screaming but I think it was when the gunshots went off,” she said.

“No body was talking or saying a word. It just happened so quick.”

Francina Pruis, Manager, of the complex where a Police Shooting took place. Photo Steve Pohlner

She praised the work of emergency services, saying police acted calmly and handles the situation very well.

“The police were absolutely excellent and in control the whole time.

“No body’s life from the complex was in danger.”

Ms Pruis said the man lived alone and she hadn’t known the woman was over before the time of the incident.