A police officer has been shot with his own gun after a man allegedly threatening a doctor with scissors at a western Sydney hospital grabbed the officer’s firearm.
NSW Police said officers were called to Nepean Hospital just before 10:30pm on Tuesday.
A 39-year-old man, who earlier in the evening had been charged over a break-and-enter and released on bail, was at the hospital receiving medical treatment, Acting Commissioner Catherine Burn said.
The officer became involved in a struggle with the man, losing control of his firearm in the process, she said.
The police officer suffered a gunshot wound to the upper leg and a security guard a gunshot wound to his calf.
Both men underwent treatment at Nepean Hospital.
Acting Commissioner Burn said the police officer was listed as critical but stable, and the security guard was listed as stable.
Another security guard was hurt during the incident but his injuries and condition were unknown, she said.
The 39-year-old man was arrested and was helping police with their inquiries.
Police officer family at bedside
Acting Commissioner Burn said the police officer’s family members were at his bedside.
“The police officer underwent surgery and was in the intensive care unit,” she said.
“The other security guards were also being attended to.
“The officer has been clearly seriously injured and his welfare is paramount.
“He has his family and colleagues at the hospital with him.”
She said the incident was a “clear example of the nature of policing”.
“This officer had only just left his home and was only just about to start his shift when this call came in and this has occurred,” she said.
A critical incident team from North West Metropolitan Region will investigate the incident.
“There were reports of an incidence and police responded, with security,” Acting Commissioner Burn said.
“There was a struggle and during that struggle the police officer did lose control of his firearm.
“Then a number of shots were fired.”
This post originally appeared on ABC News.
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