28/10/2026
A woman has died following a police shooting at Firle.
Just before 2am on Thursday 29 October, Eastern District police were called to a property on Gwynne Street, Firle, following reports that a woman armed with an axe was attempting to break into the property.
When patrols arrived, they were confronted in the front yard by the armed woman, who allegedly threatened officers with the axe.
The woman refused to comply with police directions to drop the weapon. While officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, a taser was deployed but proved ineffective.
The woman continued threatening officers at close range and allegedly struck a police officer in the leg with the axe. Police then discharged a fi***rm, striking the woman.
Officers immediately rendered first aid before SA Ambulance Service paramedics arrived and provided medical treatment. Sadly, the 63-year-old Firle woman died at the scene.
The police officer suffered minor bruising to his leg and was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives, Forensic Response Section officers and investigators from Internal Investigation Section attended the scene and are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner, and a Commissioner's Inquiry will be conducted to examine whether South Australia Police (SAPOL) policies and procedures were followed.
Acting Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM has reviewed the body-worn video footage from the incident, and initial assessments indicate the officers involved acted in accordance with their training.
"I have viewed the body-worn video footage of the shooting and the interactions leading up to the fi***rm being discharged, and I am confident the officers acted appropriately," Acting Commissioner Williams said.
"South Australia Police acknowledges this is a tragic incident for all involved and a reminder of the dangers officers can face when responding to calls for assistance from the community."
Investigations are continuing.
