Alleged home invader shot after elderly couple stabbed
Alex Mitchell |
An elderly couple are fighting for their lives after allegedly being stabbed in a home invasion by a stranger, who is also in hospital after being shot by the husband.
Police are baffled as to why a 34-year-old man allegedly broke into the couple’s home in Torrington, a small town in northern NSW, before stabbing them at about 12.15am on Thursday.
The man, who police say did not steal anything from the couple, allegedly left the home after the stabbing but tried to re-enter, only to encounter the 75-year-old man holding a gun.
The 75-year-old shot the alleged attacker in the abdomen. The accused man was taken to a nearby hospital.
Both the 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife were airlifted to hospital on the Gold Coast where they remain in critical but stable conditions.
Their alleged attacker has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder.
Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon said police were not aware of a motive for the alleged attack, nor why the 34-year-old re-entered the property shortly after he had appeared to flee.
He praised the elderly man for having the stamina to get his gun despite his stab wound and insisted he was within his rights to shoot his attacker in apparent self-defence.
“He certainly did his best, obviously under very difficult circumstances, to defend himself and his partner – quite impressive he decided to do that given the extent of the injuries he suffered,” Det Supt McKinnon said.
“A person is entitled to use reasonable cause to defend themselves (and) this male had obviously received quite critical injuries up to that point.”
But police remain puzzled as to why the couple where targeted in the first place.
The alleged attacker is not accused of stealing any items from the house, nor is he suspected of attending other nearby properties.
Police do not believe the alleged attacker was known to the elderly couple.
“This is a very rare occurrence, this is generally a fairly quiet regional location,” Det Supt McKinnon said.
“But I would certainly encourage people to ensure they are secure in their own premises, they’re able to lock their doors, and be aware of people who aren’t from that area.”
The 34-year-old remains in custody and will face a bail court on Thursday.
AAP