Deputy Commissioner and Premier Peter Malinauskas share emotional condolences to the Stevens’ family after hit-and-run tragedy
Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams and the Premier both struggled to hold back tears at an emotional press conference this morning. Read what they said.
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South Australian Police Deputy Commissioner and the state’s Premier have paid tribute to Commissioner Grant Stevens’ family, after his son was killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash at Schoolies on Friday night.
In the press conference on Saturday at 10.30am, Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams and Premier Peter Malinauskas were both visibly distraught and held back tears. This is what they said.
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams
“Police are investigating a crash at Goolwa Beach overnight. At about 9pm last night, emergency services were called to Beach Rd, after a pedestrian was struck by a car.
“The pedestrian was 18-year-old Charlie Stevens, the son of Commissioner Grant Stevens and his wife Emma.
“Charles sustained irreversible brain injury and he is on life support. He is with his family, who are waiting for other family members from interstate to arrive.
“As you can imagine this is a very difficult statement for me to deliver.
“I wish to offer my condolences to Grant, Emma and the family as well as the wider community, including Charlie’s friends and workmates.
“We always talk about this happening to other people, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone, any family or any community.
“The sense of grief is always enormous and also today. I ask that you respect the family at this time as they came together through this grieving process.
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“The car involved did not stop at the scene. It was located by police a short distance away on Port Elliot Rd, Goolwa.
“The alleged offender is an 18-year-old male who has been charged with drive dangerous cause serious harm and aggravated due care, and leave the scene of an accident or damage. “I’d urge any witnesses who have any information to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
“As you can appreciate both the events of yesterday and today have had a very profound effect on South Australian police and the wider South Australian community.
“I just want to recognise the efforts of our staff yesterday and throughout last night and today because they have been courageous, each and every one of them.
“And while we’re all feeling the effects of these dreadful circumstances, they are uniting in their support for each other in a way that I cannot describe and I’m so proud of them.
“We appreciate the support and the love that we get from the community every day and we’re very dedicated to keeping this community as safe as we can. Thank you.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas
“Thank you very much Linda. SAPOL is very much a family they work so incredibly hard to keep us all safe.
“Last night, I had a chance to speak to the Police Commissioner in the early hours of the evening and we were talking about the events that unfolded in the South-East of our state.
“And it struck me just how determined Grant was, to make sure that the welfare of his people in SAPOL was the paramount consideration on his mind.
“He was actively canvassing with me, his thoughts around how he would show leadership to the members of the SAPOL family at a difficult time for this important institution.
“For only hours later, for the tragic news to reach him that his son had been involved in a terribly unfortunate accident.
“Grant Stevens has served as a member of the South Australian police for over 40 years.
“His whole life, he has dedicated himself to protecting others, protecting South Australians from evil, protecting us from disease.
“He has shown extraordinary leadership in some of the most difficult circumstances this state has ever confronted.
“It is just so unjust that he and his family have now had to endure this great tragedy themselves.
“The entirety of the state, our thoughts are with Commissioner Stevens and his beautiful wife Emma, and all of their children.
“They are good people. We all too often find ourselves desperately wishing that bad things don’t happen to good people. Yet too often that is the case, and this is clearly an example of it.
“To each and every member of the entire SAPOL community, the state stands with you at this difficult time.
“We thank you so much for everything that you do for each and every one of us and our families.
“And just as you protect us, we stand with you during a difficult period.”
“I spoke to the spoke commissioner this morning, I was pretty clear about the fact that he just needs to look after himself and his family.
“And we’re very fortunate that SAPOL is a very well held organisation from Grant right down, particularly having Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams who has served as the acting commissioner on more than one occasion, we have every confidence in that regard.
“To the young people of our state, all of your lives are precious and it is just so important that we all remember that in a moment of complete stupidity or an impulsive act the consequences can be so incredible for everyone around you.
“So just try to think through your actions, every step of the way. It could be the difference between lives and families being turned upside down.
“The Police Commissioner is one of the most decent people I know and he and his family don’t deserve this. and our thoughts around the state will be fitting first and foremost.”
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