Naked, knife-wielding man shot by police during incident in Mulgrave
A naked man has been shot by police this morning, after allegedly assaulting a woman and pulling a knife on police officers.
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Police fired multiple shots at a naked man who was allegedly armed with a knife and acting erratically in Mulgrave, in Melbourne’s southeast, this morning.
The man, 24, was critically injured and is under police guard at Monash Medical Centre.
He is believed to be from New South Wales.
The showdown between officers and the alleged offender followed reports of a family violence incident at a house in Salford Court about 7.30am.
Witnesses reported hearing yelling from the house before a man got in a car and was driving erratically and revving loudly.
When police arrived the man hopped out of the car and advanced at officers with an “edged weapon”, Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.
The officers demanded he drop the weapon and used OC spray and foam, but the man kept advancing and a number of shots were fired, Mr Weir said.
He said the man was shot in the body.
At least two officers fired their gun from close range.
“It’s very early and we are still establishing the exact number but there were a number of shots fired,” Mr Weir said.
He said in the circumstances police had no choice but to use their guns.
“I find it very hard to believe that police had any other option but to accelerate their response once the tactical options of the OC and the foam and verbal communications had no effect.”
“It was a really well planned response to a dynamic and dangerous incident. Obviously the offender was in a vehicle and behaving really erratically.”
“We’ve tried to provide a safe outcome for all parties involved but unfortunately the actions of the offender have led to him being shot. We’ll obviously review and debrief the police response. At this stage I’m really comfortable with the conduct of all my people.”
The alleged family violence matter that sparked the police call-out left a 50-year-old Mulgrave woman with lacerations.
She was assessed by paramedics but was not taken to hospital.
Mr Weir said the parties were known to each other but did not elaborate on the relationship between the woman and the alleged offender.
He said the man was thought to be a Pacific Islander.
Police were investigating whether drugs or alcohol or mental health issues were factors in the incident.
A roadblock is in place on nearby Tiverton Drive.
The SES is also in attendance.
Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said police had to use “lethal force” to protect themselves and others from the armed man.
“A number of members were confronted by an offender that was armed and had to use lethal force in order to protect themselves,” Mr Gatt said.
He said the suspect is believed to have survived the shooting.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said the incident would be investigated but she understood the officers had acted appropriately.
“They were both protecting the life of someone else, as well as their own lives,” she said.
“Im hopeful that any investigation will show that but that’s why we have independent processes.”
Mr Gatt said no officers were injured but will be offered counselling.
“We will provide support to members clearly traumatised by the need to use force in this matter,” he said.
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“The investigation is ongoing, as per standard protocol following a police shooting, the Armed Crime squad will investigate the incident with oversight from Professional Standards Command,” the statement reads.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au