Alleged knife-wielding man shot by police in North Toowoomba

A video has surfaced online of the moment armed police can be heard firing shots at an allegedly armed man at a North Toowoomba address Monday night.

A video has surfaced of the moment armed police can be heard firing shots at an allegedly armed man at a North Toowoomba address Monday night.

It’s understood the wanted man was shot in the chest just after 5pm. He suffered life-threatening injuries.

The 45-year-old man was wanted for alleged DV offences.

Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the 45-year-old man was alleged to have stabbed a woman on Sunday.

“What we do know is on the previous day it was alleged he stabbed a female and was wanted in relation to that.

“We know that the male came out with two knives, and came towards a police officer who had no other alternative but to use his firearm.

“We are very lucky we have not had a police officer maimed or killed yesterday.

“If you threaten the life of a police officer they will use their firearms when required to protect their lives.”

It is understood an officer from the Toowoomba Dog Squad was the first to discharge his firearm, before retreating until backup arrived.

The man is alleged to have gone back into his home and thrown objects at police, before a second officer shot him.

He then surrendered.

“One of our experienced Dog Squad officers, when his life was threatened, he used his firearm,” Mr Leavers said.

“Police are doing their job, they’re containing a situation to apprehend violent criminals who are causing mayhem on the streets.”

Mr Leavers thanked the community for its support and was mindful of the flow on effect of the Wieambilla shooting and the current Coronial Inquest.

“We are going through a coronial process where two of my colleagues were executed in 2022. “It is very raw and chilling for all police and the community support that is coming in from across the state is really important

“It shows the difficult, dangerous and unpredictable nature of what police work is and the risks my colleagues put themselves in every day to keep Queenslanders safe.

“It is a challenging time for us in Queensland but we will continue to do our job and protect the community.”

Mr Leaver said one of the officers was injured after they were hit by an object allegedly thrown from the house, while the second officer was injured when fell “quite a distance” while jumping the back fence.

“Are thoughts are with him and those who are close to him”

“They were both very experienced officers.”

Mr Leavers said police rendered first aid as soon as the man surrendered.

“As result of their treatment he is in hospital in Toowoomba and I am told he is stable,” he said.

“We have done all we can to ensure his safety.”

The incident prompted Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski to share his fears that more people were willing to confront police with weapons, and reveal he was studying interstate trends in relation to police shootings after a number in Queensland in recent times.

“I’m concerned that we are seeing more people with weapons, bladed weapons in particular wanting to confront police in these types of situations,” he said

“It’s something that I’m very concerned about and looking at the numbers of shootings that we’ve had in recent years, there’s no particular trend … they tend to go up and down from year to year but we are seeing increased numbers of people with mental health issues involved.”

Asked why Queensland had a higher amount of police shootings than other states, Mr Gollschewski said: “That’s something we’re looking at very closely to see what the trends are”.

“You have to look at each individual (incident) on its merits,” he said.

Police outside a North Toowoomba property following a man being shot by officers.

Speaking about a recent shooting at Townsville, Mr Gollschewski said “just the rapidness of how that unfolded and how quickly police had to make a decision was quite confronting”.

Witnesses to the Toowoomba incident captured the moments two police officers walk up steps as two more police officer make their way along the fence line of a Ruthven St property, holding up firearms.

Traffic is seen flowing outside the property as the incident unfolds, drivers largely unaware of the dramatic scenes.

Police could be heard yelling “armed police” and “don’t move” at an alleged knife-wielding man.

The man filming the video could be heard saying “they’re shooting” and “holy s**t”.

“Yeah they are shooting full on guns,” another man said.

“Let’s get inside, I’d rather not be out here.”

It is understood two police officers also suffered minor injuries in the incident and were taken to hospital.

Police are believed to have attempted to use a taser before resorting to a firearm.

The busy Toowoomba thoroughfare was brought to a standstill as dozens of police and paramedics were called to the incident.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics transported the man to the Toowoomba Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

As 9am on Tuesday, the man remains in the Toowoomba Hospital in a serious but stable condition, according to a Darling Downs Health spokeswoman.

A man has suffered critical injuries after he was shot in the chest by police.

Darling Downs Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut said the investigation was ongoing.

“About 5pm this afternoon, a number of Toowoomba units attended this address, in relation to inquiries to locate a person known to police,” he said.

“Upon arriving at the address a disturbance has occurred and we will allege that a person at the address was armed and threatened police.

“As a result police were left with no other option but to discharge their firearms.

“I can say that two shots were discharged and the male person received injuries.

“That person is currently in hospital.

“A number of police were involved from the Toowoomba district, including the Dog Squad, the Criminal Investigation Branch, the Tactical Crime Squad and general duties

“Two officers did receive some injuries and they are receiving treatment by the injured at not considered serious at this time.”

Nearby residents said several police officers had been in the area yesterday with sniffer dogs looking for someone.

“There was an incredible amount of screaming yesterday,” a neighbour said.

“There’s been a lot of trouble as of late.”

“It happened about 5.30pm, I was having a cup of tea and heard one shot.”

The QPS Ethical Standards command has been tasked to investigate the shooting.

Police have shot a man in North Toowoomba.