Man Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Police Shooting

A man is in critical condition and has undergone emergency surgery after being shot by police in Western Sydney. The incident occurred on Thursday evening around 7:30 PM in Fairfield.

Disturbance Leads to Confrontation

Authorities were dispatched to a unit complex on Lawson Street following reports of a violent disturbance. Upon arrival, responding officers heard “angry voices” and observed blood in the doorway of one of the units, according to Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden.

Officers attempted to engage with a 27-year-old man. Assistant Commissioner McFadden stated that the man “challenged police verbally” before initiating a physical charge towards officers. A police constable then discharged her firearm multiple times, hitting the man twice in the torso and once in the arm.

Despite being shot, the man reportedly continued to advance on the constable, knocking her to the ground. He was subsequently subdued by two other officers.

Paramedics provided immediate treatment at the scene before the man was transported to a hospital in a critical state for emergency surgery.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have indicated that there is no information to suggest the man was armed at the time of the shooting. A critical incident team from Bankstown Police Area Command is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.

This investigation will be subject to an independent review overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Bodyworn camera footage from the incident has been reviewed and will be a key component of the ongoing inquiry.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden expressed his “full support” for the officers involved. He commented on the inherent dangers of police work, stating, “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.”

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

Assistant Commissioner McFadden also confirmed that the injured man is known to police. The lead investigator is reportedly working closely with the man’s family to understand his background.