Man shot dead by police during chilling incident at Kirwan Police Station

Townsville police officers say using lethal force on a knife-wielding man outside their police station was unavoidable, as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues.

Townsville police officers say using lethal force on a knife-wielding man outside their police station was unavoidable, as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues.

According to police, about 10pm Saturday July 6, the 46-year-old man approached the Kirwan police station armed with a knife.

Two male constables confronted the man outside where they were threatened with the weapon but after the Cranbrook man failed to comply with directions the officers produced a taser and a firearm which were fired simultaneously.

The man, who was not previously known to police, sustained two gunshot wounds.

First aid was rendered immediately with Queensland Ambulance services also attending the scene.

A crime scene outside Kirwan Police Station following a shooting on July 6. Picture: Natasha Emeck

The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.38pm.

Detective and Acting Superintendent Jason Brosnan said he was confident the police officers involved had taken the right course of action.

“Every situation is unique. There’s no definitive answer as to how long that (de-escalation) goes on for but obviously from our point of view we would rather have had a better outcome,” he said.

“We would rather have de-escalated the situation. Unfortunately at times, we are not given that opportunity and as such have to use lethal force but it’s not something that we do lightly and it will be something we would rather avoid.”

A crime scene outside Kirwan Police Station following a shooting on July 6. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Supt Brosnan said the Ethical Standards Command investigation was looking to determine whether the man had any involvement with the mental health system.

“It’s probably a little bit early to say definitively that that’s the case and that will obviously form part of the investigation to determine exactly what he was doing there and what his motivations were,” he said.

Footage of the incident from the officers body-worn cameras and CCTV footage from the front of Kirwan police station will be used in the investigation.

“Police have provided counselling and chaplaincy services for the family of the deceased,” Supt Brosnan said.

“We also provided our peer support officers and chaplaincy services for the officers involved.”

“So far they are doing okay but as with all of these sorts of incidents, they’re stressed, the post traumatic stress from this incident may not be felt for some time and we’re doing everything we can to support the officers.”

The crime scene is still expected to remain active for the next 24 to 48 hours with one lane closed on Thuringowa Drive.

Mr Brosnan said members of the public are still able to access the services at Kirwan station.

Originally published as Man shot dead by police during chilling incident at Kirwan Police Station