The family of a man who was shot dead by police after stabbing an officer and threatening others with a knife in Sydney’s southwest say they believe the health system failed their son.
Marco Bindi-Fortoni, 34, was wielding a knife on Bird Walton Ave, Middleton Grange about 10.50pm Saturday, prompting a member of the public to call triple-0.
As police arrived, Fortoni rushed at their vehicle and stabbed the driver twice in the shoulder area of his operational vest, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said.
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“The male then rushed towards the officer that had discharged the Taser and at this time was in close proximity to the police officer,” McFadden said.
The 33-year-old senior constable then stepped in and fired two shots at Fortoni.
The officers performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but he could not be revived, and was declared dead about 11.40pm.
Fortoni’s grief stricken parents have since told 7NEWS their son was on medication for mood and emotional issues, but they believe he needed further help.
They added, while they don’t harbour any ill feelings toward police, they believe the health system has failed their son and others like him.
It’s understood Fortoni had been experiencing developmental issues all his life, and something about a passing car triggered him on the night of the incident.
McFadden said while the officer’s vest was damaged from the stabbing, the 33-year-old senior constable escaped injury.
“We are very close to something that could have been either fatal or certainly life-threatening in terms of injuries he could have sustained,” McFadden said.
“We’re talking centimetres to hitting another part of his body and causing catastrophic injuries.”
McFadden confirmed Fortoni lived nearby and was known to police.
“It’s a devastating thing for the family of the 34-year-old to have to come to terms with,” he said.
A critical incident investigation is underway. The investigation is also subject to an independent review.
After watching body-worn camera footage, McFadden said the incident happened “in a matter of seconds”.
“The situation escalated very quickly,” he said.
“The tactical options that were available to police became very limited upon the taser not being effective.
“There was a very real threat to the life and well-being of the police officer, and another tactical option being the use of the firearm was used.”
The five attending police officers are yet to be interviewed.
“I’ve seen the video and at this stage, it’s within the scope of their responsibilities as police, protecting the community and protecting themselves,” he said.
McFadden said support was being provided to the officers involved.