A well-known Australian dentist and author was shot dead by police on Tuesday morning after he allegedly attacked two women with a knife inside an apartment building in Potts Point, Sydney.

According to the NSW Police Force, officers were called to St Neot Avenue just before 11 am following reports of an armed man assaulting residents. The man was later identified as Steven Lin, author of the book The Dental Diet.

Police said Lin first attacked a woman inside the building’s laundry area before forcing his way into another apartment on a separate floor, where he seriously assaulted a second woman. Both victims were rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney and were reported to be in stable condition. One of the women was expected to undergo surgery for facial injuries.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said officers attempted to disarm Lin using a Taser, but it was unsuccessful. He was shot once after allegedly lunging at police with the knife. Paramedics treated him at the scene, but he died outside the apartment complex. “Police were responding to help people in distress. Unfortunately, today someone has lost their life. That is tragic,” McKenna told reporters, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Witnesses told local media they heard screams for help shortly before police arrived. One witness said Lin attempted to escape through a window but was ordered back inside by officers, according to Nine News.

Lin was previously the principal of Helix Dentistry on the Central Coast and had built a significant online following of about 250,000 on Instagram. He also hosted a podcast titled Mouth Brain Connection. However, media reports indicate his professional and personal life had deteriorated in recent years.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Lin had been facing multiple charges, including assault occasioning bodily harm, breaching an apprehended domestic violence order, stalking or intimidation, and choking. He was due to appear in court later this year. His bail conditions did not prohibit him from being in Sydney’s eastern suburbs at the time of the incident.

Authorities have launched a critical incident investigation into the police shooting. Detectives from the homicide squad will lead the probe under the oversight of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, which monitors police conduct in New South Wales.

Police have not yet confirmed a motive for the attacks, and it remains unclear whether drugs played a role in the incident. Investigations are ongoing.