A renowned celebrity dentist and best-selling author has been identified as the man who was shot dead by police after allegedly attacking two women in what authorities describe as a random assault.
Steven Lin, 41, author of The Dental Diet and owner of two thriving dental practices on New South Wales’ Central Coast, had built a large following online, sharing health and wellness advice with more than 250,000 Instagram followers.
Police say Lin forced his way into a unit block on St Neot Avenue in Potts Point yesterday morning and attacked two women from separate units during the incident.
When officers confronted him, Lin allegedly lunged at them with a knife, prompting the use of a Taser. Officers report the Taser was ineffective, and a single gunshot was fired at Lin, who died at the scene.
Authorities believe Lin barricaded himself inside one of the units during the roughly 10-minute standoff and did not personally know either of the victims.
The two women—ages 48 and 56—suffered head and facial injuries and are being treated for a stabbing-suspected wound and blunt-force trauma, respectively. Both are in stable condition at St Vincent’s Hospital.
A critical incident investigation has been launched to review the officers’ actions.
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