Statement from Superintendent John Price, Canterbury District Commander:
Firstly I would like to acknowledge all those impacted by the incident yesterday, including the injured officer and his family, my team and the family and friends of the deceased.
Police officers go to work every day to do a great job, ensure public safety and protect all members of their community from harm. An incident like this is the absolute last thing that any officer wants to happen on their shift.
The investigation into the incident has been ongoing today. A scene examination at the Bangor Road property continues and we are speaking with witnesses.
This was a dynamic and extremely fast moving critical incident.
Police were called to a violent family harm matter shortly after 4pm yesterday following reports that a 56-year-old man was threatening his family with a loaded firearm, which he had discharged multiple times.
Based on this information two officers have responded and driven towards the rural address before stopping on the roadside a distance from the property where they were looking to assess the situation further.
While the officers were walking on the roadside the deceased has driven out of the property at speed and driven at both officers. One officer was unfortunately stuck by the vehicle and thrown into the air before landing on the ground.
The officer sustained serious injuries including multiple leg fractures. He remains in hospital in a stable condition where he is awaiting surgery.
After the attack Police have fired at the vehicle. The vehicle has continued to travel some distance down the road before doing a u-turn and driving back at the officers. The vehicle has then come to a stop of its own accord.
Other officers who have arrived on scene have then approached the vehicle, made a medical assessment and found the man deceased.
A robust and thorough investigation into this critical incident is ongoing as we work to understand the full circumstances of what has occurred. The Police investigation drives and informs any other internal and external investigations and enquiries.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and information from the Police investigation with be shared with the IPCA to support their independent investigation.
The deceased’s family have been offered Victim Support and a Police Family Liaison Officer has been supporting the family since the incident. This is a terrible situation for all concerned.
The community of Darfield and rural Canterbury will be shocked by this incident as we all are but I can reassure them that their safety remains paramount.
For all Police staff the safety of our community and the country is our purpose and for those that responded this was their duty and total focus.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre