A suburban Cairns neighbourhood was rocked by a dangerous confrontation on Saturday afternoon when police opened fire on a knife‑wielding man accidentally shooting an innocent bystander standing near the front door of her home.
The incident unfolded in Mount Sheridan, where officers were responding to reports of a 28‑year‑old man allegedly armed with knives at a neighbouring property. According to Far Northern region Assistant Commissioner Graeme Paine, the situation escalated rapidly, forcing officers to act under “extremely dangerous” and “very significant threat levels.”
In the chaos, a 50‑year‑old woman was struck in the lower leg by one of the bullets fired at the armed man. “It was a busy residential and traffic area, and it appears that one of the bullets discharged from the firearm has struck this lady,” Assistant Commissioner Paine said, describing the distressing scene faced by both the family and responding officers.
Police say they repeatedly attempted to get the man to surrender before shooting him in the leg and arm. Both the man and the woman were taken to Cairns Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Assistant Commissioner Paine emphasised the danger posed by knives in public settings, noting that officers must respond decisively when lives are at risk.
The 28‑year‑old man is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday, facing eight charges, including wilful damage, breaking and entering, attempted robbery and going armed to cause fear.
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