Tributes are flowing after a 53-year-old South Australian Police officer was shot dead and another suffered gunshot injuries in an incident on a rural South Australian property overnight.
SA Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens, described slain Sergeant Jason Doig (pictured) – a 34-year veteran of SA Police – as a highly respected officer.
“He was highly respected by his peers in the south east and right across South Australia,” the Commissioner said.
“What can you say? Police come to work knowing there is risk, but this is a stark reminder of what those risks may result in. This is a devastating event for police and for the community.”
The Commissioner said Sergeant Doig and his two colleagues had been attending the property following a “routine” report involving a firearm and an animal.
“There was nothing to indicate it was a high risk incident,” said Commissioner Stevens.
In a statement, SA Police said the officers arrived at the property at Senior, near Bordertown, at around 11.20pm last night, where they were confronted by an armed suspect.
Sergeant Doig was shot dead, while a second officer also sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.
“One of the responding police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and despite the efforts of his colleagues and paramedics sadly died at the scene,” Police said.
The alleged suspect was shot by police and sustained serious life-threatening injuries, Police have confirmed. He remains under police guard in hospital.
Commissioner Stevens says a full investigation by SA Police’s Major Crime Squad is underway.
“This is an incredibly tragic incident for South Australia Police and I can only imagine what the family of Jason is feeling at this time,” he said.
