SA: Police officer fires shot after scuffle

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2009
SA: Police officer fires shot after scuffle

ADELAIDE, Dec 23 AAP - A police officer has fired a shot after a scuffle with a man
in Coober Pedy, in South Australia's mid-north.

Police said the incident was sparked when a patrol stopped a car on Wednesday morning.

The woman driver returned a positive blood alcohol test, prompting her male passenger
to begin throwing rocks at a police officer, with one hitting him in the head.

"A scuffle ensued during which the police officer discharged his firearm," a police
spokesman said.

The man was then sprayed with capsicum spray and was taken into custody after other
officers arrived on the scene.

The 26-year-old man was expected to be charged with aggravated assault and hinder police
while the woman was facing traffic offences.

The police officer who was hit in the head with a rock was taken to Coober Pedy hospital
and treated for a head injury, bruising and abrasions.

A second officer was treated for cuts and abrasions.

Police from the Internal Investigation Branch and forensic services will travel to
Coober Pedy to investigate the incident.

AAP tjd/ash

KEYWORD: SHOT

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