A 19-year-old teenager has been shot twice by police officers in front of his mother after allegedly pulling out a large kitchen knife during a welfare check at a property in Brisbane's northwest. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leaving the young man in a critical condition with two gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Distressing Scene Unfolds During Welfare Check
Three police officers attended the welfare check at the Akebia Street property in Arana Hills around 12:30pm on Wednesday. According to Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham, the call for assistance originated from the teenager's mother, who was present throughout the entire traumatic incident.
'The call for assistance came from his mother who was present during this incident, regrettably,' Detective Superintendent Massingham told reporters. 'Mum is distressed. She is traumatised.'
Alleged Knife Incident Preceded Shooting
Police report that officers were speaking with the 19-year-old man when he allegedly produced a large kitchen knife. In response, one officer fired two shots, striking the teenager in the abdomen. A taser was also deployed at some point during the confrontation, though the exact timing relative to the gunshots remains unclear and will be part of the ongoing investigation.
The young man had previously received mental health treatment, according to authorities, adding another layer of complexity to the already distressing situation.
Officer and Teenager Both Traumatised
The officer who fired the shots has been identified as a first-year constable. Detective Superintendent Massingham expressed sympathy for all involved, stating: 'It is traumatic for all involved and that young man is feeling it right now.'
'As police, we come to work each day, not expecting to have to use this level of force against people and, in short, it is our last option,' he added, emphasising the difficult circumstances facing law enforcement officers.
Immediate Medical Response and Ongoing Investigation
Following the shooting, officers provided immediate first aid before the teenager was transported to Royal Brisbane Hospital, where he underwent surgery late on Wednesday. His condition remains critical.
Police have established a crime scene at the home while multiple investigations proceed. The Ethical Standards Command will conduct an investigation with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission, examining all aspects of the incident including the deployment of both the firearm and taser.
'The timing of that in terms of when the shots were fired will be subject of the ongoing investigation,' Detective Superintendent Massingham confirmed regarding the taser deployment.
The incident has highlighted the challenging nature of welfare checks involving individuals with mental health concerns and the extreme measures sometimes required by responding officers.
