A man has died and a police officer and his dog have been violently stabbed in an incident at Mount Lofty last night.
In a statement, Queensland Police Service (QPS) said the Ethical Standards Command was investigating the circumstances of the incident.
“Preliminary information indicates police were called to a Warana Avenue address at around 6.50pm following reports of a break and enter,” QPS said.
“A 32-year-old senior constable from the Darling Downs Dog Squad was one of the first officers on the scene along with police dog Turbo.”
Police say that the handler and his dog located a 31-year-old Toowoomba City man, allegedly involved in the break and enter.
“The man allegedly lunged at the handler with a pair of scissors resulting in a laceration to his face and minor stab wound to his upper body,” QPS said.
“The man then proceeded to stab police dog Turbo multiple times in the chest.”
“The handler was able to deploy a taser to the man, who was then subsequently arrested by nearby officers.”
Police say the man was treated at the scene and then suffered a further “medical episode” while being transported to hospital.
“CPR was commenced however the man was pronounced deceased at 8pm at St Vincent’s Hospital.”
Police Dog Turbo was transported to a local vet where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
The handler, a 32-year-old senior constable received treatment for minor stab wounds.
“The State Coroner has been advised and the Crime and Corruption Commission will provide independent oversight of the Ethical Standards Command investigation,” QPS said.
