Man who ran at police has emergency surgery after being shot by officer

A man is in critical condition and undergoing emergency surgery after being shot by police in Fairfield, Western Sydney. Officers responded to a welfare concern report at a unit complex on Lawson Street around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, hearing "angry voices" and finding blood in a doorway.

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden stated that a 27-year-old man verbally challenged officers before charging at them. A young female constable then fired her weapon multiple times, hitting the man twice in the torso and once in the arm. Despite being shot, the man continued to advance, knocking the constable to the ground before being subdued by other officers.

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One of the things that becomes apparent is the volatile nature of the calls for service that police are called to on a daily basis, and how quickly those circumstances can escalate.

Paramedics treated the man at the scene before he was transported to the hospital. Police confirmed there is no information to suggest the man was armed at the time of the incident. A critical incident team is investigating, and the case will undergo an independent review by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. Bodyworn camera footage is part of the investigation.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden expressed his "full support" for the officers involved, acknowledging the volatile nature of police calls. He also noted that the injured man was known to police and that investigators are working with his family to understand his background. The investigation will examine the use of tactical options by the officers.

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The officers have my full support but we are also accountable for the actions we make and the decisions that we use in relation to the use of our tactical options.