Bordertown residents ‘devastated’ by shooting of Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, who remains in hospital

Bordertown locals say the officer known as ‘Sarge’, was a huge part of their community, where he had lived for more than 20 years.

The police officer shot during an unassuming call-out in the state’s South-East was soon to retire, locals say, and has been hailed as a beloved part of the Bordertown community.

Along with Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and Constable Rebekah Cass, Sergeant Michael Hutchinson attended a property in Senior, the next town over, in the early hours of Friday morning.

There, 26-year-old Jaydn Stimson allegedly shot both Mr Doig and Mr Hutchinson. Mr Doig died, while Mr Hutchinson was rushed to Flinders Medical Centre.

His condition is considered non-life-threatening, while Ms Cass escaped the shocking shootout uninjured.

Bordertown Golf Club president Lynton Mackenzie, 65, said Mr Hutchinson, or ‘Sarge’ as he is known to locals, is a regular golfer and “a very good country police officer”.

“We’re devastated with what happened,” Mr Mackenzie said.

Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, otherwise known as Sarge, is a “regular golfer” and “a very good country police officer” according to Bordertown locals. Picture: Facebook

“Sarge is a loved member of our community and our golf course, and we’re deeply upset with what’s happened – not just him, but the other police officer who lost his life.

“For a small community like ours, it’s devastating. We just hope and pray his recovery is speedy.”

It is understood Mr Hutchinson is married and has lived in Bordertown with his family for more than 20 years.

A friend who did not wish to be named said Mr Hutchinson often played golf on Saturday mornings.

“He said he was hoping to retire in the next 12 months, but this will slow him down a while,” the man said.

“You have to feel sorry for (Mr Stimson’s) parents because they would just be devastated.

“Everyone thinks of the police, as they should, but they should also think of his family as well.”

Local bakery staff member Heather Macintosh told The Advertiser Mr Hutchinson was a recognisable face in Bordertown.

Bordertown residents Heather Macintosh and Diana Melianor are in shock at the shooting. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

“You don’t expect something like that here,” Ms Macintosh said.

“I nearly lost it this morning because police media came into the bakery and I just said, ‘I hope it’s not who I think it is’. I was upset, it’s very gut-wrenching.”

Diana Melianor works at the OTR service station where Mr Hutchinson often stops and said the entire community was sharing in the pain of his family.

“They always come into the servo and you really get to know them,” Ms Melianor said.

She said Mr Hutchinson always showed a strong sense of humour and was like “family” to the township.

“You hang s**t on him, he hangs it back on to you,” she said.

“The coppers down here get embraced by the locals because they look after us, they look after the town. Even having Jason (Doig), he was always helping out.

“They’d be feeling the sadness, it’s one of their mates.”

With the town rallying around the injured officer and his family, Ms Melianor said she had seen many acts of kindness towards the local police force.

“I work at the local servo and we were just discounting anything the coppers wanted this morning. The bakery has been handing them water, it’s that kind of a local community.

“These guys put their lives on the line everyday, you have to feel for them, but especially when you know one of them.”

In statement issued through SA Police, Mr Hutchinson’s family said they “thank the police community and the public for their support and condolences for the loss of Jason Doig at this tragic time”.

Mr Hutchinson remains at Flinders Medical Centre and is expected to recover from his injuries.