A woman has been accidentally shot in the leg by police while firing at an allegedly armed man on Cairns. <\/p>\n
Police were called about 5.10pm on Saturday to Benjamina St at Mount Sheridan following reports of a 28-year-old man armed with knives. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe male was confronted by occupants during those break-ins and as it\u2019s alleged that he has stolen two large knives before moving out onto the street,\u201d Assistant Commissioner Graeme Paine said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe male person was subsequently the subject of multiple triple-0 calls from neighbouring properties due to his ongoing behaviour and the fact that he was out in the street carrying the knives.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said a \u201cnumber of attempts\u201d were made to detain the man, who was allegedly armed with knives. <\/p>\n
The man was shot in the leg and arm by police, who were attempting to negotiate with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolice then have discharged a number of rounds from service firearms to effect the arrest of the male,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
During the altercation a 50-year-old woman, who lived nearby, was also shot in the lower leg. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a busy residential and traffic area, it appears that one of the bullets that was discharged from the firearm has struck this lady in the lower leg,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said the incident was an \u201cextremely dangerous situation\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an extremely dangerous situation, we are well aware of what can happen with knives in a public place,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Both the man and woman have been treated by paramedics and are in a stable condition. <\/p>\n
The man has since been charged with two counts of wilful damage, and one count each of enter dwelling and commit, enter dwelling with intent, attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, attempted robbery, attempted enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence, and going armed to cause fear.<\/p>\n
He has been refused bail and is due to face Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday. <\/p>\n
Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community. <\/p>\n
The incident will be investigated by the Ethical Standard Command with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission. <\/p>\n