A man has been shot dead by police after officers were called to an address in the east Brisbane suburb of Tingalpa for a welfare check.
Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen said officers were called to the 21-year-old man’s home on Thurston Street about 10.30am on Tuesday.
“We attempted to negotiate with a male person at that address who armed himself with a knife and threatened police, and was shot,” McQueen said.
He said multiple officers were at the scene at the time of the shooting, alongside paramedics, who were unable to revive the man, despite rendering immediate first aid.
One police officer suffered a minor injury and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
“This is a devastating incident,” McQueen said.
“My thoughts are with all the officers involved, emergency services in attendance, and the family of the man involved.
“These types of incidents are a reminder to us – a clear reminder – of the inherent danger that our police face across the state on a daily basis.”
The caller who requested a welfare check for the 21-year-old expressed concerns for his mental health. McQueen could not reveal who made the call, or their relationship with the man.
He would also not be drawn on whether the man had previous mental health issues or a criminal history, but said he was “confident that the use of force used is appropriate, given the circumstances”.
“Our police, they attend incidents daily, as you can appreciate. These incidents are often dynamic in nature and split-second decisions need to be made,” McQueen said.
The Ethical Standards Command opened an investigation into the fatal shooting, which McQueen said would be overseen by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission.
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