Key Highlights :
The tragic death of 52-year-old army veteran Steven Angus has left his family and the community of Townsville, Australia in shock. On Friday evening, police were called to the home on Bel Air Avenue in Kirwan, Townsville, after reports of a man threatening self-harm. This was the second time police had been called to the same home for a mental health matter, and surrounding streets were closed off as a safety precaution.
When police arrived, they spoke with Angus before he approached them holding knives. As a result, police fired their service firearms at the man and he was pronounced dead shortly after the arrival of the Queensland Ambulance Service. Acting chief superintendent Chris Lawson of the Townsville Police stated that the use of force policy is clear that officers must use whatever force is necessary to resolve the incident at the minimum level possible.
The incident was captured on body-worn cameras and will be made available to the state coroner's investigation. Lawson also said that support has been offered to the officers involved in the incident.
The day before the incident, neighbours said they had noticed the lights in the house were back on after Angus had been taken away by ambulance services. Angus's brother said the family had called police when they heard Angus was threatening to harm himself, believing officers could reach his home and help him before they could.
Lawson said police have spoken to Angus's family during this "distressing time" and expressed that their thoughts go out to them. He also said they do not want to see people being hurt or dying, and they want to resolve these instances as peacefully as possible. Queensland Health declined to comment due to patient confidentiality.
The death of Steven Angus has brought to light the difficult situation police officers face when responding to mental health-related calls. It is a tragedy that has left his family and community in shock, and it is important to remember the impact of these incidents on those involved.