ACT Policing has released footage of a serious incident earlier this year in Symonston, during which a police officer narrowly avoided being struck by a hunting arrow.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45pm on Saturday 17 February, when police were called to the residence of a 49-year-old man. While officers were attempting to speak with him, his behaviour became erratic, and he fired a hunting arrow using a compound bow, narrowly missing an officer.

The officer, who was attempting to engage with the man, was struck by glass fragments when the arrow hit nearby.

Specialist resources were quickly deployed to the scene, but upon their arrival, the man fired a second arrow at police. Negotiators successfully de-escalated the situation, and the man was taken into custody without further incident.

The man was later charged with using an offensive weapon in an act endangering life, along with other offences, including breaching a family violence order and failing to appear in court. Last week, court proceedings concluded, and the man was sentenced to 22 months in prison.

Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier, Officer in Charge of Woden Police Station, emphasised the dangers faced by police officers daily.

“This footage highlights the risks that ACT Policing officers face on a daily basis,” she said.

“In this incident, an officer’s life was put at risk in an extremely dangerous act. Police went to that home to ensure the safety of the man and found themselves at grave risk. Every officer should have the right to come to work and go home safely.”

Detective Inspector Hofmeier added, “I am pleased no-one was seriously injured and that the man was safely taken into custody and given the health support he required.”