Police in Adelaide, South Australia, shot a woman armed with an axe early Thursday morning, killing her on the scene, Xinhua reports. The incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. in the city’s eastern suburbs when officers responded to reports of an armed individual. The woman allegedly threatened the officers, and a taser was attempted but was ineffective before firearms were used.
After the gunshot, officers administered first aid until ambulance paramedics arrived. Authorities say the woman was declared dead at the scene, and a police officer sustained minor injuries. Senior officers from the major crime branch and the internal investigation service have launched a full investigation into the event, according to Xinhua.
The incident highlights the risks faced by officers when encountering armed suspects in residential areas. While Xinhua did not provide the suspect’s identity or motive, the investigation will likely examine whether the use of force was justified under South Australian police protocols.
Both the Adelaidae police department and the community have yet to release an official statement beyond Xinhua’s initial coverage. The ongoing investigation is expected to clarify details about the confrontation, the decision to use a taser, and the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
