The man who shot a security guard and a police officer at Nepean Hospital last night is a registered nurse at another hospital, reports say.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the shooter was a nurse at Westmead Hospital who had recently been away from work due to problems with the drug ice.
The Weekender understands the nurse may not have worked at the hospital in recent months, or even in the last two years.
According to the Herald, he had never had any troubles with the police until Tuesday morning, when he was arrested and charged with a string of offences, including an aggravated break and enter in the Colyton area.
He was also charged with assaulting two police officers and resisting a third police officer.
However, police granted him bail on the sole condition that he stay away from an address in Colyton.
It’s understood the officers gave him a Field Court Attendance Notice and dropped him at Nepean Hospital for treatment related to his addiction.
All hell then broke loose – resulting in the shooting of Senior Constable Luke Warburton and a security guard, who has not been named.
Both are still undergoing treatment in hospital.
The man has now been charged in relation to the incident.
He has been charged with shoot with intent to murder; discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest; and detain for advantage.
The man has been refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today.
A critical incident team from North West Metropolitan Region are investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.