A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia is in a critical condition in hospital after being tasered by a police officer at a nursing home near Cooma on Wednesday.
Staff at the nursing home called police on Wednesday morning, claiming grandmother, Clare Nowland (pictured), had a kitchen knife.
Attending officers reportedly struggled to disarm the 95-year-old before one officer then fired a taser at Mrs Nowland as she stood alongside her walking frame.
She collapsed to the floor and was taken to Cooma District Hospital, where her condition is being monitored.
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb said the matter was being treated with the “utmost seriousness”.
“My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time,” the Commissioner said.
“I understand and share the community concerns and assure you that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.
“A Critical Incident Investigation is currently being conducted into the circumstances of the incident.”
Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which operates the Yallambee Lodge nursing home, said staff had followed procedure.
“Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families during this difficult time,” the council said in a statement.
“No further comment is available at the current time due to the ongoing investigation, and out of respect for the privacy of those involved.”
