A SYDNEY policeman was shot on Tuesday night during a struggle at a hospital with a man who had earlier threatened medical staff with a pair of scissors.
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Local authorities on Wednesday said a New South Wales Police officer and a security guard were both shot in the leg following an altercation with a man who grabbed the officer’s gun at Penrith Hospital in Sydney’s Western suburbs late on Tuesday night.
A security guard was also shot in the lower leg.
Mr Warburton, 38, underwent emergency surgery and is recovering at the hospital in a critical but stable condition, with his wife by his side.
He was later charged with shooting with intent to murder, discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and detain for advantage.
“My thoughts are with the officer and the officer’s family and all the hospital staff who have been involved in this incident”, she said.
The officer was shot in thigh and the guard was shot in the calf.
The 39-year-old had been released on bail over an alleged break-and-enter just hours before the incident.
The accused was once a registered nurse at Westmead Hospital, and was reportedly taking time off from work.
He is due appear in front of a magistrate on Thursday. “There were a number of shots fired and the circumstances and the exact detail will now form part of that critical investigation.” .
Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes said security guards must be able to carry handcuffs or material restraints.
“All that we know at the moment is that there were reports of an incident and police responded with security“, said Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn.
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He said, however, the shooting was not believed to be terrorism related.
