Gladesville siege: Man charged after police officer stabbed in head

A man will appear in court charged with attempted murder after a police officer was left with stab wounds to his head at Gladesville.

A police officer who was slashed in the back of his head during a violent incident in Gladesville on Tuesday was “extremely lucky” to escape more serious injury, according to NSW’s top cop.

The 26-year-old probationary constable, who only graduated from the police academy six months ago, was called to the unit block on Punt Rd about 11.20am on Tuesday after reports of a domestic violence incident.

Tactical officers arrest a man after a police operation in Gladesville, where an officer was allegedly stabbed in the head. Picture: Toby Zerna

A 26-year-old policeman was stabbed in the back of the head after attending a domestic violence incident on Tuesday. Picture: Toby Zerna

The police officer’s injuries. Picture: NSW Police

Minutes earlier a woman had allegedly been threatened with a knife by a 38-year-old man, before crossing the road to the Gladesville Police Station – just 50m away – to alert police.

When officers arrived the man allegedly rushed at them with two knives, cutting the constable across the back of the head and causing him to dislocate his shoulder, before he returned inside the unit and refused to leave.

The 38-year-old man had a ripped shirt and blood on him as he was removed from his unit by heavily armed officers.

He was taken to Ryde Police Station where he was charged with seven offences including cause wounding to person with intent to murder and breach of an apprehended domestic violence order.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Wednesday morning that the officer was on the mend at home, but was lucky to have escaped the violence alive.

The injured officer also suffered a dislocated shoulder. Picture: Toby Zerna

Police investigating the house where the incident took place. Picture: Toby Zerna

Police arrest the suspect. Picture: Toby Zerna

“He’s home with his loved ones ... the officer was extremely lucky to get out of that with a laceration to the back of his head,” Comm Fuller said.

“I think probably those charges show the seriousness of that situation.”

On Tuesday, NSW Police Superintendent Peter Glynn said the officer was in “good spirits” despite his injuries while also praising tactical operations officers who ended the siege after about an hour.

“As you can app­reciate, when confronted by someone with two knives (he) had very little time to react and reacted commendably in terms of minimising his injuries,” Supt Glynn said. “The male retreated into the unit ... and police contained and negotiated that scene until it was resolved.

“From my understanding the police have acted in accordance with their training and performed commendably.

“Today is a timely reminder of the unpredictable nature of family and domestic violence incidents, and the risks involved for NSW Police officers in the execution of their duty.”

The man was refused bail and will appear at Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday.