Police have shared what allegedly occurred in the moments before a 95-year-old woman holding a knife was tasered by a police officer.
Police have revealed shocking new details after an elderly woman with dementia was tasered by officers in an aged care home.
The 95-year-old woman is believed to have been found holding a knife at the Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, sparking a call to police before the incident occurred on Wednesday.
Clare Nowland is still fighting for life at Cooma Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
Police allege she was still armed with a knife when officers and paramedics arrived at the aged care facility.
They can now reveal they attempted to speak with Ms Nowland before a senior constable discharged his taser.
Clare Nowland was tasered by police at an aged care home in Cooma. Picture: Supplied
The 95-year-old fell to the ground and struck her head.
A critical incident team is now investigating the incident and it will be subject to an independent review.
The officer’s duty status is also under review.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement on Friday the matter was being treated with the “utmost seriousness”.
“My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. I understand and share the community concerns and assure you that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” she said.
The aged care centre is operated by Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which confirmed the incident on Wednesday.
“Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families during this difficult time,” a council spokesperson said.
“No further comment is available at the current time due to the ongoing investigation and out of respect for the privacy of those involved.”
Yallambee Lodge has been operating since 1995 and contains 38 permanent beds and two respite beds.
“The hostel includes beautiful gardens and open shared spaces for activities and socialising,” the council website says about the facility.
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