A 50-year-old Cairns woman has been accidentally shot in the leg by police during a dramatic confrontation with an armed man in the residential suburb of Mount Sheridan. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday afternoon, saw officers discharge firearms while responding to an 'extremely dangerous' situation.

Emergency services were first alerted just after 5:00 PM on Saturday to multiple Triple Zero (000) reports of a man armed with knives in the vicinity of Pumila Close and Benjamina Street. Initial reports indicated the 28-year-old man had allegedly attempted to break into two homes, confronting occupants and stealing two large knives.

Intense Confrontation Unfolds

Regional police command confirmed that a search, involving the police helicopter, located the suspect at the intersection of Foster and Hardy roads. Officers gave numerous verbal commands for the man to surrender. However, after repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation, officers discharged their firearms, striking the man in the leg and arm.

During the intense confrontation, an innocent 50-year-old woman, standing near the front door of her own home at a neighbouring property, was accidentally hit in the lower leg by a stray bullet. Both the woman and the alleged offender were transported to Cairns Hospital, where they are now in a stable condition.

Assistant Commissioner Graeme Paine described the incident as having 'very significant threat levels' in a busy residential area. "It was an extremely dangerous situation, we are well aware of what can happen with knives in a public place," Assistant Commissioner Paine stated, emphasising that officers' responses are dictated by the actions of the individual and the level of threat.

Investigations Underway and Charges Laid

The 28-year-old man is set to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday, facing eight charges, including wilful damage, breaking and entering, attempted robbery, and going armed to cause fear.

Multiple crime scenes have been established across the Mount Sheridan area as forensic investigations continue. The Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command is thoroughly reviewing the police response to the incident, with investigators speaking to the three officers — one sergeant and two constables — who deployed their firearms.

Assistant Commissioner Paine acknowledged the challenging and distressing nature of the situation for both the family involved and the officers. "Things can escalate very quickly… it is very hard to anticipate a person's responses to verbal directions or different commands," he added, stressing the focus on a complete investigation and support for all involved.

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the officers' actions, stating that police are highly trained to deal with such high-risk situations. He highlighted the inherent dangers police officers face, without directly addressing the bystander's injury as concerning, noting that surrounding circumstances would form part of the investigation.

Local authorities are appealing to anyone with information or relevant video footage related to the incident to come forward and assist with their inquiries.