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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-05-25 Daily Xml
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POLICE, SHOOTING INCIDENT

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:06): I seek leave to make another ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: Today, South Australians woke to the news that two police officers were injured in the line of duty while attending an incident at a home in Paralowie. I am advised that, fortunately, the injuries sustained by the two officers are not life-threatening and that they will make a full recovery. Incidents such as this remind us of the potential dangers that the women and men of the South Australia Police face in the course of their duties on a daily basis.

Speaking on behalf of all members of this parliament, I know I can say that we recognise their commitment, their professionalism and the risks they face for the community they serve, and we are grateful for their commitment and the support that they get from their families. I take this opportunity to wish the officers involved a speedy recovery.

Earlier today—in fact, just an hour or so ago—I spoke to the two young officers involved in this incident and personally conveyed to them our best wishes. I told them that we are pleased that they are safe and that we are also very proud of the work they did and the way they handled the situation they were confronted with.

It is apparent that the consequences could have been far worse. I am told one of the officers, a probationary constable just 22 years of age, received injuries to his face and right eye, cuts and bruising. He is currently at the Royal Adelaide Hospital receiving treatment. The officer's wife is currently overseas, but I understand that contact has been made with her to let her know that he is safe. I can say that I spoke to this young man and, again, we are proud of the way he dealt with a perilous situation.

The same is true of the other officer, a 25-year old married man, who was treated at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and has been discharged. His injuries include superficial facial wounds, with shrapnel wounds to his left hand. It is anticipated he will return to hospital for further surgery tomorrow.

I understand the incident occurred at about 5.35am this morning. Police received information of a disturbance occurring in Thorngate Drive, Paralowie at a private house. A two-person general police patrol from Salisbury Police Station attended and, as police approached the house, they were shot at through the front door resulting in both officers receiving shrapnel wounds. The officers retreated, continued observations on the house and called for assistance to cordon off the house. I understand from reports that the offender took up a position on the roof of the house. A siege situation developed at the address and STAR Group officers attended.

The alleged offender subsequently surrendered to police without further incident and has been taken into custody. The suspect has been detained in relation to firearms offences and assault on the two officers. Full charges have yet to be determined. The weapon alleged to have been involved in the shooting is a .223 calibre rifle. The incident has been declared a major crime and a significant incident, with Major Crime taking over the investigation from the Elizabeth Local Service Area. I understand that the alleged offender has a history of mental health issues.

Relatives of the officers injured have been made aware of the incident. Police Employee Assistance Section is involved, including welfare and police psychologists, in relation to the welfare of both officers. I know every member of this house would wish these two brave officers well and a full recovery.

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