A man accused of grabbing a police officer’s pistol and shooting at the roof in a Canberra hospital’s emergency department has been charged with attempted murder.
Australian Federal Police said the 26-year-old man was under guard while receiving medical treatment at The Canberra Hospital about 4pm yesterday when he allegedly wrestled an officer’s weapon away.
During the altercation, the man allegedly fired the pistol into the ceiling before he was disarmed and restrained by officers.
No one was injured during the incident but terrified witnesses told 9NEWS they heard screaming and someone shout “Taser! Taser” and “Code Black!” as officers wrestled with the man.
It's unknown if AFP officers used a Taser stun gun to subdue the man.
Police at the Canberra Hospital last night following the alleged incident. Source: Sunrise/Channel 7
AFP today charged the man with two counts of attempted murder, assault and attempting to escape police custody.
The incident at the hospital has been declared a critical incident and AFP Professional Standards will now oversee the investigation, an AFP spokesperson said.
"We will obviously look into all our procedures, but it's too early to speculate," Acting Superintendent Marcus Boorman said.
Patients say they heard screams and shouts of "Taser!". Source: Sunrise/Channel 7
Prior to the incident, police had brought the man to the ER for treatment to injuries suffered after he allegedly crashed a stolen car in Mawson, south of Canberra, earlier that day.
Two other people were injured during the crash and the 26-year-old has also been charged with "serious traffic offences" and armed robbery.
The man faced ACT Magistrates Court today.
