Gwangju: A man who attacked a police officer with a knife in the southwestern city of Gwangju died after being shot by the officer. The incident occurred when the officer from the Gwangju Dongbu Police Station was responding to an emergency call in the Geumnamro district at approximately 3:10 a.m.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 51-year-old attacker, whose identity has not been disclosed, stabbed the officer twice. The officer had arrived in response to a 112 emergency call from two women who reported being threatened by the man. During the scuffle that ensued, the officer discharged his firearm, resulting in the attacker being shot. The man was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital around 4 a.m.
The police officer suffered serious injuries to his neck and face, requiring emergency surgery. He had rushed to the scene with a colleague to address the emergency report of the two women being pursued by a stranger.
As the officers encountered the suspect, he allegedly drew a knife from a paper bag and became aggressive. Despite repeated warnings to disarm, the suspect refused to comply. The officer initially used a taser gun, which missed, and fired a blank bullet before resorting to three live rounds.
Police authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances and assess the appropriateness of the firearm's use.