Man uses policeman’s gun to fire at hospital, charged with attempted murder

CANBERRA: A man was charged with two counts of attempted murder yesterday morning, after seizing a policeman’s gun and firing the weapon in the direction of a major hospital in Australia’s capital city.

On Wednesday evening, the police were called to the Canberra Hospital after the 26-year-old suspect allegedly assaulted and seized the police officer’s gun, firing a single shot into the ceiling.

According to Xinhua news agency, the gunman was subdued with a taser gun.

Earlier, witnesses reported hearing the man make threats before firing the weapon.

On Wednesday, the suspect was held in the emergency department (ED) under police guard after he was charged with a serious traffic offence.

Acting Superintendent of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Police, Marcus Boorman said the police would investigate how the suspect came into possession of the policeman’s firearm.

“The incident has been contained. No hospital staff or members of the public were injured and there is no further risk to public safety,” he told reporters.

Parts of the hospital remain closed after the gunshot caused minor flooding, prompting authorities to encourage people with non-life or limb threatening injuries to seek alternative treatment.

Canberra Hospital directorgeneral Chris Bone said emergency department staff were regularly exposed to unacceptable violence.

“I don’t think any level of violence is acceptable in the emergency department,” Bone told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). — Bernama