POLICE IN BRISBANE have arrested a 34-year-old man in a shopping centre after he made threats while holding a firearm.
An emergency situation was declared in the city at 11.20am local time when authorities received reports of an armed person in Queen Street Mall.
A stand-off between the gunmen and armed units of the force for about an hour before the suspect was detained.
He has been taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital with what are described as non life-threatening injuries. It is understood that ‘less-than-lethal’ rounds were used by officers to subdue him.
As is standard practice for such incidents, an investigation will now be held into the “appropriateness of the police action in resolving the incident”.
During the stand off, the mall and its surrounding area was evacuated. Armed police with bullet proof vests told people in the surround area to run away from the centre, according to ABC reporter Dea Clark.
It is understood the man was shirtless while waving a handgun just before the lunchtime rush.
The stand-off ended at 12.40pm when two loud bangs were heard.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman praised the police force for resolving the incident and keeping members of the public safe.
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