Top cop holds back tears in devastating Schoolies update
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams revealed the son of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens was on life support after an alleged hit-run.
A top cop in South Australia has struggled to hold off tears as she revealed the state's police commissioner is by his son's bedside following an alleged hit-and-run overnight.
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams was comforted by Premier Peter Malinauskas at a press conference on Saturday morning as she revealed 18-year-old Charlie Stevens, son of Grant Stevens, was in hospital on life support after sustaining an "irreversible brain injury".
He was allegedly hit by a vehicle during a Schoolies festival near Victor Harbor on Friday night.
"As you can imagine, this is a very difficult statement for me to make," she told reporters, pausing at times to compose herself.
"We always talk about this happening to other people but the reality is it can happen to anyone.
"The sense of grief is always enormous."
An 18-year-old male behind the wheel of the vehicle allegedly failed to stop but was located nearby by police and arrested. He has been charged with driving dangerously causing serious harm, aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of a serious crash. He will face court on Monday.
Second tragedy for South Australia police in 48 hours
Police Commissioner Stevens had fronted media just a day prior after a South Australian police officer was shot dead at a rural property late on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Williams said both incidents have had a "profound effect on South Australia Police and the wider community".
She praised police officers attending both incidents, calling them "courageous" during these "dreadful circumstances".
Malinauskas said the news of Charlie's injuries were so "unjust" for Commissioner Stevens considering the work he has done for the state.
“His whole life he has dedicated himself to protecting others, protecting South Australians from evil, protecting us from disease,” he said.
“He has shown extraordinary leadership in some of the most difficult circumstances this state has ever confronted.
“It is just so unfair that he and his family have now had to endure this great tragedy themselves.”
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