Man shot by police outside hospital after alleged bomb threats
A man allegedly brandishing knives and making bomb threats has been shot by police at Nepean Hospital in Sydney’s west.
The man, who was not a patient at the hospital, was allegedly in possession of two knives and was threatening security officers outside the emergency department when he was shot on Thursday afternoon.
“The 54-year-old man allegedly attempted to stab an officer and was shot by responding police,” NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“He was treated at the hospital where he remains in a stable condition.”
There were no reports of other injuries during the incident.
Witness Demi Gregory recalled the chaos as the hospital went into lockdown just after 4pm on Thursday.
“There were people everywhere, we got instantly put into lockdown, and then they gave us a 10 minute gap to evacuate,” Demi Gregory said.
The man’s threats were said to have included a reference to a bomb, possibly in a car outside.
Witnesses said there was mass confusion and panic.
“I couldn’t really make out what the guy was saying because he was screaming, I just heard the cops screaming at him to get down on the ground,” witness Cameron Hawthorn said.
The State’s Health Minister was given an urgent briefing on the situation.
“The advice I’ve had is a gentleman has been shot by police, the reason for that at this state is unclear, but he is in the operating theatre being operated on,” Brad Hazzard said.
The police operation included road closures and motorists were urged to avoid the area.
Ambulances were diverted to other hospitals in the area.
It’s the second shooting in three years at Nepean Hospital.
In January 2016, a police officer was shot with his own gun in the emergency department.
Acting Sergeant Luke Warburton was lucky to survive and is still recovering.
A critical incident team comprised of officers from Ku-ring Gai Police Area Command will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the discharge of a police firearm, NSW Police said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
