SA police officer killed in shootout at Senior, near Bordertown, identified
The mother and brother of a 53-year-old veteran police officer have released a statement after he was killed on a farming property in the state’s South-East.
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An officer fatally shot in an incident near the Victorian border has been identified as 53-year-old Jason Doig, a well-known member of the South-East community and career policeman.
On Friday, Mr Doig’s family released a statement in the wake of his death through an SA Police spokesperson.
“The family of Jason Doig wish to thank the public for their support and condolences at this tragic time,” they said.
Brevet Sergeant Doig was one of three officers from the Limestone Coast LSA called to a home on Senior Rd, near Bordertown, about 11.20pm on Thursday night after reports of a man had shot a dog.
Mr Doig, a well-known officer based at Lucindale Police Station, Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, both from Bordertown Police Station, were confronted by the armed suspect when they arrived at the property.
During a subsequent shootout with the 26-year-old occupant of the home, Mr Doig suffered a fatal gunshot wound and Mr Hutchinson suffered non-life threatening gunshot injuries.
Ms Cass, 31, was not physically injured.
Her and Mr Hutchinson, 59, desperately attempted to render aid to both Mr Doig and the accused – but Mr Doig died at the scene.
Mr Hutchinson was rushed to Adelaide for treatment.
The alleged suspect was also shot by police and sustained serious life-threatening injuries. He was treated at the scene and has since been flown to Adelaide, where he remains under police guard.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the incident was an “incredibly tragic” and extended his condolences to Mr Doig’s family.
A career police officer, 53-year-old Mr Doig joined the force in 1989.
Mr Stevens said Major Crime officers had taken charge of the investigation but the exact circumstances that led to the incident unfolding remained unclear.
“No-one is left untouched by the tragic incident, 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,” he said.
“You can only imagine, during the early hours of this morning, the amount of people who were wondering, waiting to find out whether it was someone they cared about involved in this incident.”
Mr Stevens said there was nothing in the information ascertained by officers before attending the property that would have indicated it was a high risk incident.
“This was one of those jobs that would be part of the daily routine for police officers,” he said.
Mr Stevens said Mr Doig was highly respected by his peers and had been a member of the South-East community for more than 15 years.
“Police officers come to work knowing there are risks inherent in the job, but this is a stark reminder of what those risks may result in,” he said.
“Officer safety is paramount for us. We provide the right tools, equipment and training so they can do their job as safely as possible, but you can’t get past the reality that policing often involves dealing with violent offenders and the reasons for that violence are wide ranging.”
Mr Stevens said SA Police and Victoria Police were providing support to Mr Doig’s brother, who lives in Daylesford, Victoria, and mother, who lives in Warrnambool.
The commissioner commended the actions of Ms Cass and Mr Hutchinson, who rendered aid to not only Mr Doig but the alleged shooter.
“For those two officers to act the way they did in such difficult circumstances speaks volumes for their courage and their commitment to their duty and to their colleagues,” Mr Stevens said.
“An injured police officer stepping in to provide potentially life saving assistance to a colleague – and also the person who is suspected of having committed the offence – in such difficult circumstances is the reason you can only be proud of the South Australian police.”
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens with an update after a police officer died and another was injured in a shooting at Senior. Full coverage in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/oWOftM9raz#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/eCSLPm4qhp
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) November 17, 2023
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had been briefed by Mr Stevens about the incident and would provide further statement later on Friday.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton flew to country Victoria to visit the family of Mr Doig on Friday and offered his condolences.
“Victoria Police extends its condolences to South Australia Police after an officer was killed and another injured,” a force statement said.
“Our officers will continue to support our cross-border colleagues and those impacted by this incident wherever possible.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and broader community at this time.”
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