Cop’s close call before fatal shooting

Police claim an officer attacked with a knife seconds before a fatal shooting in Sydney’s southwest overnight was “very close to something that could have been fatal”.

The 33-year-old senior constable was behind the wheel of a police vehicle when he was allegedly attacked twice on his shoulder by a man armed with a knife.

Officers exited the vehicle before verbally confronting and then Tasering the 34-year-old man; mere “seconds” later, the senior constable fired two rounds.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said the “situation escalated very quickly” and that there was a “real threat” to the police officer.

“We are very close to something that could have been either fatal or certainly life threatening in terms of injuries he could have sustained given that the damage to his operational vest around the right shoulder right collarbone area … we’re talking centimetres to hitting another part of his body and causing catastrophic injuries,” he said.

Police performed CPR on the 34-year-old man until paramedics arrived at the scene to take over, however he could not be revived.

Mr McFadden backed the actions of the “experienced and capable” police at the scene who he said ha “stopped the threat”.

“The tactical options that were available to police really became very limited upon the taser not being effective,” he said.

“There was a very real threat to life and well being of the police officer and another technical option has been used – the firearm was used.”

Mr McFadden said the alleged attacker, who has not been identified, was known to police but would not confirm whether he had a history of mental health.

He went on to add that the family of the man had been contacted and that an “extensive and comprehensive” review into the shooting would take place.

Emergency services were called to Bird Walton Ave at Middleton Grange about 11pm on Saturday after reports of a man with a knife.

In an earlier statement, police said they were confronted by the 34-year-old man who allegedly threatened officers with the blade.

Police said early information indicated the man then struck a 33-year-old male officer with the knife; the officer was fortunately protected by his vest.

Officers proceeded to use a Taser on the man and when that “proved ineffective” the man was shot by police.

Police conducted CPR at the scene until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and took over; but he could not be revived.

A critical incident has since been declared with the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review, with the officer allegedly attacked in the confrontation not “physically injured”.

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