Update on police officer and suspect involved in Elizabeth East incident

Police can confirm the alleged offender has not yet been medically cleared and, as a result, investigators have not yet had the opportunity to formally interview him.

The man has been charged ex parte with the following offences: attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated threaten life, illegal use, carry offensive weapon, and assault on a prescribed emergency worker (nurse).

The accused remains in the Intensive Care Unit with injuries that are considered non-life threatening.

The police officer injured during the incident remains in hospital and is being monitored for serious, but non-life threatening, injuries. The most recent advice regarding her condition indicates she will remain in hospital for several more days as she continues her recovery.

The officer and her family have requested privacy at this time as she focuses on her recovery. Police ask that this request be respected and thank the community for the support and well wishes that have been extended to her and her loved ones.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens APM LEM said “While policing is an inherently challenging profession, every police officer has the right to come to work, perform their duties and return home safely. Incidents involving serious violence against police officers can have profound and lasting consequences, whether through significant physical injuries or the psychological trauma that often accompanies such events.

"The impact extends beyond the individual officer to their families, colleagues and the broader policing community. When police officers are subjected to acts of serious violence in the course of their duties, the community rightly expects offenders to be held accountable. It is important that there is a finding of guilt through the judicial process, the consequences imposed reflect the gravity of the offending and the significant harm caused to those who dedicate themselves to protecting the community.”

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