A police officer narrowly missed being shot by a hunting arrow in a serious incident earlier this year. 

The police have released bodycam footage of the incident to highlight the risks police officers faced every day, said officer in charge of Woden Police Station, Insp Donna Hofmeier.

“In this incident, an officer’s life was put at risk in an extremely dangerous act,” the inspector said.

“Every officer should have the right to come to work and go home safely.”

In February police were called to a 49-year-old man’s residence in Symonston.

Police say that the man’s behaviour became erratic and he shot a hunting arrow using a compound bow towards police, narrowly missing an officer.

The officer who was attempting to engage with the offender was struck by glass fragments when the arrow was shot at him.

A short time later, specialist resources were deployed and arrived at the residence. Following their arrival, the man shot a second arrow towards police.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with using an offensive weapon in an act endangering life, and offences relating to previous incidents including breaching a family violence order and failing to appear in court.

Last week the man was sentenced to 22 months in prison.