A 17-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after she was shot by police at a busy pub in Townsville.
Police were called to the West End Hotel about 5.30pm yesterday over reports that a girl was armed and making threats.
Townsville District Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine said officers went around to the back of the pub and were allegedly approached by the girl armed with a “large knife”.
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Paine alleged that, despite “use of force options” being presented, the girl continued to move towards the officers and was shot in the stomach.
“It was quite a confined space,” he told reporters this afternoon.
“The officers then immediately commenced first aid and secured the scene because there were other members of the public present.”
Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed the girl to hospital, where she underwent surgery overnight.
She is recovering in hospital today in stable condition.
“It’s a very sad incident to see this happen, especially to a 17-year-old,” Paine said.
“It really reiterates the challenges that police can face in these situations where they go from a situation to a critical incident very quickly.”
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A crime scene has been declared, and an investigation is underway.
The Ethical Standards Command is also investigating the incident and will be subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
CCTV and police body-cam footage will form part of inquiries.
Police Minister Dan Purdie has been briefed on the incident.
“I understand Ethical Standards Command have already landed on the ground in Townsville, and are investigating this, as you would imagine, and we’ll do so thoroughly,” he said.
“This matter is currently being investigated, and we’ll wait for the results of that thorough investigation. “
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