Rookie Police Officer Seriously Injured in Frenzied Sword Attack
A young police officer is fighting for recovery in hospital after being brutally stabbed with a 50cm sword during what should have been a routine welfare check in Sydney's south-west on Friday evening. The 28-year-old probationary constable, who had only recently joined the New South Wales Police Force, was among four officers dispatched to a property on Werombi Road in Grasmere around 5:20pm.
Violent Confrontation During Welfare Check
The police team, comprising another new officer and two senior constables, were responding to reports of a breach of an apprehended violence order. According to police accounts, the situation turned violent when a 20-year-old man, known to authorities and previously armed, launched what Superintendent Paul Condon described as a frenzied attack on the officers.
The assailant first threw a spear at the officers before charging at them with a sword. Police deployed several tactical options including a Taser and OC spray, but none successfully subdued the suspect.
Life-Saving First Aid at the Scene
Moments later, the man allegedly stabbed the young probationary constable in the leg with the sword, inflicting a deep 20cm gash to his upper right thigh. The officer's colleagues immediately administered life-saving first aid, applying tourniquets to stem the severe bleeding.
Superintendent Condon revealed he had watched the body-worn camera footage from the incident, labelling it extremely distressing. He praised the quick thinking and bravery of all officers involved, stating the situation escalated extremely quickly and could have ended in tragedy without their intervention.
Multiple Charges and Ongoing Recovery
The injured constable was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to Liverpool Hospital in a serious but stable condition, where he awaits surgery.
The 20-year-old suspect was eventually arrested after being Tasered and taken into custody. Detectives seized a knife, hatchet and spear from the scene. The accused has been charged with 11 serious offences including:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Four counts of wounding with intent to resist arrest
- Wounding a police officer in the line of duty
- Using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention
- Resisting police and breaching bail conditions
- Contravening an apprehended violence order
The man was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, while the injured officer continues his recovery in hospital.
