I just got a text from my girl friend telling me a Police officer was shot in the head after responding to a call at the Gold Coast tavern where an armed bandit took hostages.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told a 4am press conference that Senior Constable Damian Leeding, from Coomera CIB, was in a critical condition after being hit by a shotgun blast when he and another officer responded to the call at the Pacific Pines Tavern about 10.30pm.
He also went on to confirm the tosser I mean the gunman who shot the detective had taken hostages.
Atkinson then said the robbery occurred around closing time and there were hostages taken, but did not confirm if the triple O call came from one of the hostages.
Sen Const Leeding is married to a police officer as well, Sonya, and the couple have two young children.
Mr Atkinson said Sen Const Leeding, whom he described as a “fine officer”, had acted with “great courage”.
“Police, when they’re called to an armed robbery in progress, have no choice but to go and attend,” Mr Atkinson said.
“They have no idea at all what they’re going to confront when they arrive.
“Last night the worst situation that you could possibly imagine for us has occurred.”
Please know that a major incident room has been established at Coomera Police District Headquarters.
Three people were assisting police with their inquiries, but it was possible there were still other people of interest, some of whom may have been armed.
Police were also seeking two sedans, one dark-coloured and the other blue.
Mr Atkinson would not confirm how many other individuals may have been involved, but earlier reports suggested there may be up to seven.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the next 24 hours would be critical to Sen Const Leeding’s recovery considering what has happened.
He said now was not the time to play the blame game with the Queensland Government.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sonya and the family at this time,” he said.
Mr Atkinson arrived at Gold Coast Hospital about 2.45am and met with the officer’s family.
Meanwhile updates are continuing to come through on Queensland Police Twitter and Facebook pages.
“An officer from South Eastern Region suffered a gunshot wound after responding to a 000 call at a business earlier tonight,” Queensland Police Service said on its Facebook page.
“He was taken to Gold Coast Hospital.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer and his family at this terrible time.”
This is something I just found online that might be of interest!
Coast crimewave
The Gold Coast is in the grip of a gun crime epidemic, with nearly 50 armed robberies so far this year, leading to calls for the establishment of a specialist police armed robbery squad.
A leading Queensland academic says the economic downturn is largely responsible for the increase in violent crime.
Griffith University’s Professor Paul Mazerolle, director of the university’s violence research program, said existing problems with organised crime and drugs on the coast were exacerbated by economic downturn.
He said the increase in crimes using illegal firearms was cause for concerns.
“The extent to which guns is being used it is a disturbing trend,” he said on morning radio.
He said there could also be an increase in illegal firearms with people looking to arm themselves for protection.
This is very disturbing to me to know that a robbery has taken place and Police have attended the scene to only do there job, and in doing so have been shot! This is a reality that the Police have to face every day, and it is sad that they are treated like crap from some of the public, also really under paid.
Those of us who know or are with some one in the Qld Police Service know how long and hard there hours are, know how haed they work and the stress that they take on and it is JUST so SAD that a Police Officer from the Gold Coast has been shot for this.
I feel for his family and especially the poor kids.
