An elderly woman with dementia is fighting for life after she was tasered by police inside her 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 afternoon.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement on Friday the matter is 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.
Police reportedly struggled to disarm Ms Nowland before using the taser, and she is now fighting for life at Cooma District Hospital, The Daily Telegraph reported.
NSW Police have now launched a “critical incident investigation” after the interaction, where the woman was seriously injured.
“A critical incident team will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
“That investigation will be subject to independent review.”
The aged care centre is operated by Snowy Monaro Regional Council, who 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 2 respite beds.
“The hostel includes beautiful gardens and open shared spaces for activities and socialising,” the council website says about the facility.