Police Officer and Man Shot in Queensland

Police are seen at the scene of a shooting in Tamar Street at Annerley in Brisbane on Jan. 10, 2025. AAP Image/Darren England

Police declared a crime scene in the Brisbane suburb of Annerley after an incident where a police officer and a man were both shot.

The Queensland Police Service announced on the morning of Jan. 10 that officers had been called to an address at Tamar St at 9:13 a.m. after reports of a disturbance.

A 40-year-old constable and junior constable approached the man in attempts to de-escalate his “agitated” state, before the 26-year-old male allegedly lunged at the senior officer.

“The male approached the officers and a struggle commenced, and ... the offender lunged for a firearm belonging to the senior constable,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman told reporters.

“During the struggle for that particular firearm, the firearm discharged and the senior constable received a gunshot wound to the left inner thigh.”

The junior constable then shot the 26-year-old twice in the stomach before providing first-aid to his fellow officer via a tourniquet.

More officers arrived shortly after and needed to deploy a Taser on the 26-year-old who remained agitated after his two gunshot wounds, Wildman added.

The junior constable was also bitten by the offender during the altercation.

“This is how dynamic the situation was,” Wildman said

Both men were taken to hospital for treatment.

The matter will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the case highlighted why there was so much respect for police in Queensland.

“They run towards situations where others naturally run away and there’s no place for that modern Queensland,” he said.

The Premier told reporters he would like to see better systems in place to protect police on the job.

“If wrongdoing is found to have occurred, I'd like to see the strongest of signals sent to make sure that people who sign up to be police officers know that the system will protect them when they’re going about their business,” he said.

Safety Measures Under Scrutiny

Policing is listed as one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation, with authorities emphasising the importance of officer safety in the line of duty.

Dan Purdie, a spokesperson for the Queensland Minister for Police and Emergency Services, highlighted the inherent risks officers face while serving the community.

“Policing is an inherently dangerous occupation and officers often go above and beyond to serve and protect the Queensland community,” the spokesperson said.

“Our police are well trained to deal with volatile situations.

“Additional measures to help keep police officers safe in the line of duty are always prioritised.”