Army veteran named as man shot dead by police after rushing officers brandishing knives – as cops defend their actions during the tragic incident
- 52-year-old veteran, Steven Angus shot dead by police
- Police allege the man had rushed at them with knives
A man shot dead by police after allegedly running at officers with knives has been identified as a 52-year-old army veteran.
Police were called to a home on Bel Air Avenue at Kirwan, in Townsville, at about 4.40pm on Friday, following reports the man, Steven Angus, had threatened to self-harm.
Police fired on Mr Angus, striking him in the chest, after he allegedly rushed at them with knives.
First aid was provided to Mr Angus after he was incapacitated, but he was pronounced dead shortly after Queensland paramedics arrived at the scene.
Police were called to a home on Bel Air Avenue at Kirwan, in Townsville, at about 4:40pm on Friday, following reports the man had threatened to self-harm (pictured, police at the scene)
Townsville District Acting Chief Superintendent, Chris Lawson, said: ‘Police fired their service firearms at the male, hitting the male, and as soon as he was hit first aid was provided and unfortunately a short time later, after the arrival of QAS, he was pronounced deceased’.
‘All of this incident was caught on body-worn camera footage, so that footage will be available to the coroner and Ethical Standards Command as they do their investigation,’ Chief Supt Lawson said.
Five officers, including an acting sergeant, constables and senior constables initially responded to the call.
‘So they’re people who do have some level of service, but they’re also people involved with very junior service as well, so we are providing support across all ranges to those individuals involved,’ Chief Supt Lawson said.
A Queensland Police spokesperson said investigations are underway.
The man is understood to have been shot ‘several times’ in the chest (pictured, officers at the scene on Friday evening)
Chief Supt Lawson supported the officers that fired on Mr Angus, believing they had use necessary force.
‘Our use of force policy is very clear, you use whatever use of force you consider necessary to resolve the incident, and at the minimum level possible,’ he said.
‘At this stage I’m confident… the officers acted appropriately.
‘Obviously our thoughts go out to the family involved because we don’t want to see people being hurt and we don’t want to see people die, we want to resolve these incidents as peacefully as possible and our thoughts are with the family.’
Police had attended to the property on Thursday night for a similar situation that was instead de-escalated.
It is believed Mr Angus was at Townsville University Hospital following the Thursday night incident, returning home after some time.
Lifeline 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au
Open Arms Veteran and Families counselling 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
Safe Zone Support 1800 142 072.
