Coroner finds no failings in care of suicidal veteran shot by police

Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher has concluded a coronial inquest into the death of Steven Angus, finding no failings by police or hospital staff in their response or treatment of the veteran, who was experiencing suicidal ideation. However, the inquest did highlight areas needing improvement in the care of individuals like Angus, particularly suicidal veterans struggling with addiction.

Steven Angus, 52, was fatally shot by police in his Townsville backyard less than 24 hours after being discharged from the public hospital's emergency department. Queensland Police had initially taken him to Townsville University Hospital (TUH) on April 20, 2023, following an hours-long siege where Angus had reportedly begged officers to shoot him. A former army vehicle mechanic medically discharged in 2017, Angus had a documented history of alcohol abuse, relapses, and suicidal ideations.

During the initial siege, Angus, armed with two knives, told a police negotiator, "I'm going to threaten the police, walk out and cause them to shoot me." Police managed to arrest him when he was unarmed, and an ambulance transported him to TUH. Less than four hours after his arrival, hospital doctors assessed that Angus had stabilized, was no longer psychotic, and posed no acute suicide risk. He was then provided a taxi and sent home.

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I'm going to threaten the police, walk out and cause them to shoot me.

The following day, April 21, 2023, Angus expressed suicidal thoughts to his son, who then called emergency services. Police responded, aware of the previous day's siege, Angus's potential to carry knives, and his alcohol abuse. Angus approached the responding officers with two knives raised, telling an acting sergeant, "I'm coming out with two knives, I want you to put me to sleep." Despite repeated warnings and pleas, Angus ran toward the officers and was shot twice in the chest. Paramedics and police rendered immediate first aid, but Angus died at the scene.

The coroner recommended that Queensland Health, Queensland Ambulance Service, and specialists form a working group to address gaps identified during the inquest. Notably, there is no mechanism for after-hours emergency department presentations to be admitted to the Townsville Private Clinic for treatment, and the Townsville Hospital and Health Service's Veterans Liaison Officer is only accessible to inpatients.

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I'm coming out with two knives, I want you to put me to sleep.