Alleged knife attacker shot by police before stabbing officer, SA Commissioner says

A man was allegedly shot by police before he continued to advance and stab a female officer in the neck in Elizabeth East, South Australia, according to Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. The incident occurred when police responded to reports of a man armed with a large knife on Main North Road.

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rushed at police with a large knife

Commissioner Stevens described the situation as "highly volatile and highly dangerous." He stated that a 27-year-old man allegedly "rushed at police with a large knife" and was shot by a male officer. Despite being shot, the man allegedly moved past another officer and stabbed a senior constable in the neck.

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But he [the alleged attacker] continued, moved past one police officer and managed to stab a senior constable in the neck.

The injured officer, identified as Jessie, sustained a stab wound but is fortunate not to have serious or ongoing concerns. She was expected to be released from hospital on the day of the report. Commissioner Stevens commended Jessie and her partner for their "significant courage and professionalism" during the critical incident, acknowledging the split-second decisions officers must make.

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As unlucky as Jessie is having being stabbed, she's incredibly fortunate there's no serious injury or ongoing concerns in relation to that wound, and we're hopeful she'll be released from hospital today.

The alleged attacker, from Woodville Gardens, was also hospitalized with injuries not considered life-threatening. Police expect to charge him in the near future. The incident is now subject to a Police Commissioner's Inquiry and a Major Crime Investigation Branch probe to verify training and protocols, ensuring officers can perform their duties safely.

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It's always very confronting when those situations actually unfold in front of you and you have to make split second decisions, that you go to protecting members of the public as well as the people you're working alongside as a police officer.