Two South Australian Police officers have been injured, with one taken to hospital in a serious condition after being stabbed, and an offender shot dead at a small town in the state’s mid-north.
SA Police said officers from Port Germain and Crystal Brook went to a home in Symons Street, Crystal Brook, at 10.15am on Wednesday.
“While at the home, an occupant allegedly stabbed the two officers, where they both sustained serious injuries,” the police statement said.
“The man was then shot by police and he died at the scene.”
The Port Germain police officer was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The Crystal Brook officer was taken to Port Pirie Hospital in a serious but stable condition and will also be flown to the RAH.
Major crime detectives, forensic response section and internal investigation section remain at the scene in Crystal Brook on Wednesday afternoon.
Police Association SA president Mark Carroll said the incident was a “horrifying reminder of the levels of extreme violence front-line police officers face in the line of duty”.
“Details about this tragic incident are scarce at the moment, but we do know that both officers are badly hurt, and one is in a serious condition in hospital,” he said.
Mr Carroll said one officer was stabbed in the neck and was in “a very bad way”.
“We are very concerned for him and for his family,” he said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had spoken to Police Commissioner Grant Stevens about the incident.
“My thoughts are with the two injured officers and their families. Our police put their lives on the line every day to keeping us safe, for that we are forever grateful,” he said.
Mr Malinauskas said in state parliament later that the situation at Crystal Brook was still evolving.
Police Minister Joe Szackacs said he had also been briefed by Mr Stevens.
“This is horrific and should never be envisaged,” he said.
Mr Stevens was understood to be on his way to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
Crystal Brook, at the foot of the Flinders Ranges, has a population of fewer than 2000 people.
-with agencies
