A 95-year-old woman has been left fighting for her life after police allegedly tasered her in an Australian nursing home as she wielded a knife.
The incident occurred in Yallambee Lodge, a nursing home for the elderly in New South Wales, Australia.
Clare Nowland, who resides at the home as a dementia patient, was allegedly found holding a knife at the care staff on Wednesday, as per the Daily Mail.
After arriving at the scene, the police allegedly tasered Nowland which caused her to hit her head on the floor. She was quickly rushed to the Cooma District Hospital.
Her family remains by her bedside as the mother of eight remains in a critical condition following the incident.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, an investigation into the circumstances of the event has been launched, and New South Wales police have released a statement.
“The 95-year-old woman was taken to Cooma District Hospital, where her condition is being monitored,” the statement said.
It continued: “A critical incident team will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be subject to independent review. No further details are available at this time.”
The news has come as a shock to the local community as Nowland is a recognizable figure as she had dedicated many years of her life to helping others by working at a charity shop.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council, who runs the elderly nursing home, explained that they will be doing everything they can to support the community during this time.
“Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families during this difficult time,” they wrote. “No further comment is available at the current time due to the ongoing investigation, and out of respect for the privacy of those involved.”
The 95-year-old is also a beloved member of Cooma Golf Club and St Patrick’s Parish, as St Patrick’s Parish former Priest Mick MacAndrew revealed that the family has been involved in the parish for many years.
“They were a very devoted family here, going back to her own parents,” he said. “She was at daily mass when she was well before she went into Yallambee (Lodge).”
He added that alongside working at a charity shop to help those less fortunate than herself, she helped out at the local school when her children attended.
She had moved into the nursing home five years ago after the passing of her husband meant she was unable to take care of herself.
Nowland celebrated her 80th birthday in 2008 by skydiving over Canberra.
The actions of the police remain under scrutiny while the Snowy Monaro Regional Council insist that their staff were following the correct procedures.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident at this time.
