A man is in a serious but stable condition in a Perth hospital after being shot by two police officers when he allegedly threatened them with a large kitchen knife.
Police say the officers encountered the 37-year-old man acting strangely while on patrol in Yanchep, north of Perth, just after midnight on Thursday.
When they approached he is alleged to have threatened them with a knife, ignoring repeated calls to drop the weapon, before running into nearby bushland.
He emerged from the bushes and allegedly confronted the officers with a knife and a pole.
Both officers fired their weapons.
The man was given first aid at the scene and taken to Royal Perth Hospital where he has undergone surgery.
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said three shots were fired and both officers were wearing body-worn cameras.
"I've seen the vision - they were confronted with a very dangerous situation," Mr Dawson told Perth radio 6PR.
"They've acted courageously.
"That's something that no police officer wants to have to deal with but we just have to. It's the risk that comes with policing."
Mr Dawson said the man had been armed with a large kitchen knife and got within metres of the officers before they fired their weapons.
The officers involved weren't injured but have been given 72 hours post-critical incident leave and will receive further support.
WA Police major crime and internal affairs units are investigating.
Australian Associated Press
