Alleged cop killer’s identity revealed
The identity of a man who allegedly shot and killed a police officer in remote South Australia has been revealed as flags are lowered to half mast across the state.
Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, 53, was one of three officers called to an isolated rural property in Senior, about 15km north of Bordertown in the state’s southeast, about 11.20pm ACDT on Thursday.
When Sergeant Doig, who was based at Lucindale Police Station, Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson arrived at the property, they were approached by a 26-year-old “armed suspect” who allegedly shot and fatally wounded Sergeant Doig.
It marked the first time a serving police officer had died in the line of duty in the state in more than 20 years.
The three officers attended the Senior Rd property on what was a “perfectly routine day in the job” after receiving reports that an animal had been harmed by a firearm.
The 26-year-old occupant, described as being known in the community but from a “neighbouring state”, allegedly opened fire at police when confronted.
He has since been identified by The Advertiser as Jaydn Stimson, who was reportedly shot by police and received life-threatening injuries.
In a statement, Mr Stimson’s family expressed their condolences to the families of Sergeant Doig and Sergeant Hutchinson.
“As a family, our hearts are broken by the incidents that occurred overnight,” they said.
“For now, our thoughts remain with Sergeant Hutchinson and his family while he recovers from his injuries.
“Our thoughts are also with the South-East community who will all be affected by this tragedy.
“At this time, our family requests privacy while we process the events that have taken place.”
Sergeant Doig was fatally shot at the scene, while Sergeant Hutchinson also suffered gunshot wounds.
Constable Cass was uninjured and desperately tried to provide aid to both her injured colleagues.
South Australian Premier Peter Peter Malinauskas said the “great tragedy” had devastated the close-knit South-East community of which Sargeant Doig had been a member for more than 15 years.
He was known in his community as an “incredible man” who “loved his job”.
“This is a day we all dread,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“This demonstrates just how dangerous policing work is no matter where you are in the world and South Australia ultimately is no exception.
“(His) loss will be significantly felt.”
Mr Malinauskas said the officers had demonstrated “great bravery” in the aftermath of the shooting.
“I understand that even the alleged shooter was treated and assisted by police after the incident, which I think speaks to the extraordinary professionalism of South Australian police which cannot be questioned,” he said.
Despite the efforts of his colleagues and attending paramedics, Sergeant Doig died at the scene.
No other people were involved in or in proximity to the shooting.
“There wouldn’t be one single police officer today who was not thinking about the sacrifice that Jason has made and the risk that is inherent in the role of policing and that that concern and care extends to family and friends of police officers,” Commissioner Grant Stevens told the media on Friday morning.
“This is a devastating day for South Australian police.”
South Australia Police has confirmed there is “no further threat to the community”.
There will be a commission of inquiry into the “full circumstances” of the officers’ attendance at the Senior property on Thursday night.
The alleged gunman is in hospital under police guard.
Investigations are ongoing.