Courts & Police
20 November, 2025
Camden police 'restrain' 87 year old man in nursing home after he threatened to attack them with metal pole
Just before 8pm yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025), officers attached to Camden Police Area Command attended an aged care facility in the local area, in response to the concern for welfare of a resident. The man had reportedly threatened to harm other residents and himself, while armed with a metal object, swinging it at staff who locked themselves in a room.
Just before 8pm yesterday (Wednesday 19 November 2025), officers attached to Camden Police Area Command attended an aged care facility in the local area, in response to the concern for welfare of a resident.
An 87 year - old man had reportedly threatened to harm other residents and himself, while armed with a metal object, swinging it at staff who locked themselves in a room.
Upon arrival, officers located the man in the foyer, still armed with the metal ornament. He refused police direction to put it down and OC spray was deployed.
The man was restrained and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Campbelltown Hospital for assessment.
Nil physical injuries were reported during the incident.
Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden addressed the media at a press conference earlier this afternoon regarding the incident.
"He was threatening staff," he told the ABC and other journalists present.
"He was violent and was suffering from an altered state of consciousness and he was making indications of self harm."
Assistant Commissioner Mc Fadden said it was challenging for officers who arrived on the scene to witness.
"It's a very challenging circumstance, and I just wanted to emphasise the conduct of this male is not one that reflects the individual," he said.
Similarities were drawn to the tasering by police of Clare Nowland at a nursing home in Cooma in 2023, which sadly caused her death.
However, in this instance, no injuries were reported.
"Such is the insidious nature of dementia and the challenges it presents," McFadden told the ABC.
"Each set of circumstances we approach on its own merit. We look at the nature of the information that's available, and we deal with the challenges or the threat that's provided. I'm satisfied that the officers turned up promptly and am satisfied that their engagement has resolved the matter."
Camden Police Area Command are reviewing the incident.
Read More: Camden, Wollondilly