A 17-year-old girl is currently recovering in hospital after being shot by police at the West End Hotel in Townsville. The incident occurred around 5.30pm when officers were dispatched following reports of a girl making threats while armed.
According to Townsville District Chief Superintendent Graeme Paine, when police approached the scene from the back of the pub, they encountered the girl wielding a large knife. Despite the deployment of “use of force options,” she allegedly advanced towards the officers, leading to police shooting her in the abdomen.
Paine described the environment as “a very confined space” and stated that the officers promptly performed first aid while ensuring the safety of the public present. Emergency services transported her to the hospital, where she underwent surgery overnight and is now in stable condition.
Paine expressed his distress over the incident, particularly given the girl’s age, highlighting the rapid escalation some situations can take for police. A crime scene has been established, and a full investigation is underway, led by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.
CCTV and police body camera footage will be integral to the ongoing inquiry. Police Minister Dan Purdie has been informed about the situation and stated that the Ethical Standards Command is actively investigating the matter and will carry out a thorough examination. The results of this investigation will be awaited.