Man shot dead by police was mentally ill

Man shot dead by police was mentally ill	1.06.2008
A MAN shot dead by police on the Gold Coast was suffering from a mental illness and officers acted in self-defence, the Queensland Police Union (QPU) says. Police and fire crews called to a home in Pacific Pines about 6.30pm (AEST) yesterday were confronted by a 49-year-old man armed with a knife. It is understood the man tried to set fire to the house and used a knife to threaten two male officers - a constable and senior constable. The man was taken to Southport Hospital with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at 7.07pm (AEST). QPU president Cameron Pope said the shooting was a tragedy for all involved. "I believe that the officers involved acted appropriately and in defence of their lives,`` he told reporters today. "Obviously, there will be questions arising out of this matter regarding the mental health system. "They should rightly be dealt with by the coroner in due course.`` Mr Pope refused to be drawn on the circumstances of the shooting, saying it was now a matter for the coroner. He also refused to say whether the officers were armed with Taser stun guns. The shooting is being investigated by Queensland Police`s ethical standards command, overseen by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC). Share this article Digg this Post to del.icio.us Post to Newsvine Post to Facebook Add to kwoff
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