Injured cop ‘in good spirits’ but needs surgery to remove shotgun pellets from head
The police officer shot by Penrith gunman Daniel King is still in hospital, waiting for more surgery to remove shotgun pellet fragments from his head, but the 27-year-old constable is said to be ‘in good spirits’.
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The police officer shot by Penrith gunman Daniel King remained in hospital on Thursday night awaiting more surgery to remove shotgun pellet fragments from his head.
The 27-year-old constable, who has only been in the force one year, is said to be “in good spirits” despite the injuries he sustained in the dramatic shootout.
The officer was gunned down outside Penrith police station by King, who had earlier on Wednesday night fired shots into St Marys police station and into the Marayong home of a former lover.
The cop was among a group of officers who confronted King on High St when the musclebound gunman opened fire on a police car.
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The constable was hit by King’s shotgun pellets before the 32-year-old shooter was cut down by multiple shots from police as he fired at them.
The officer, whose identity had not been released last night, was rushed to Westmead Hospital and underwent surgery to remove the fragments from his head.
“Yes, he (the injured officer) had surgery (yesterday) morning and will have more surgery again,” a senior police officer told The Daily Telegraph.
“There are shotgun pellets in the back of his head but they are expecting him to make a full recovery.”
He has since been moved into a ward and is “feeling comfortable” the Police Association of NSW said last night.
“He’s in the best hands possible,” a spokesman said.
“He’s in good spirits considering and not underestimating the impact this event can have.”
His family remains at his bedside and he received numerous visits from police colleagues throughout the day yesterday.
The officer is expected to remain in hospital for several days as he awaits a second procedure to remove the remaining parts of King’s buckshot.
Police Association acting president Kevin Morton said he was grateful no officers lost their lives. “It was an extremely dangerous situation, requiring a brave response and we are grateful that under these circumstances no officers were killed,” Mr Morton said.
A senior police source at the Penrith police station said she was “proud” of her colleagues.
“Everyone is fine, luckily, I’m so proud of everyone for what they did,” she said.
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres lauded officers, who he said face risks “most of us never know of understand”.
“The incident in Penrith … has brought that closer to home for many people,” Mr Ayres said.
“Thank you once again for stepping into harm’s way to ensure the rest of us can be safe.”
Police reopened High St just after 2.30pm on Thursday, almost 17 hours after King opened fire on the police station.