Man charged with attempted murder after allegedly running down 3 police officers

Updated 11.30am Tuesday 12th July 2021

A 30-year-old Hawker man has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and other offences following a collision on Forest Drive yesterday afternoon.

About 2.50pm yesterday (Sunday 12 July 2021), three officers were conducting traffic targeting at the Forest Drive and Lady Denman Drive intersection, and had stopped a Toyota Aurion. Both the Aurion and police vehicle were off the road, with the police vehicle approximately 10 metres in front of the Aurion.

After speaking with the driver of the Aurion, the three officers moved to the space between the police vehicle and the Aurion.

Shortly after, a Ford Laser sedan approached from the road, passed the Aurion, veered left and drove directly at the three officers – colliding with all of them.

A Detective Leading Senior Constable from Road Policing was thrown onto the bonnet of the Laser, striking the windscreen before landing on the ground in front of the vehicle. A Constable was also thrown onto the bonnet of the vehicle before landing on the ground.

A second Constable was run over and became trapped under the vehicle.

The driver of the Ford Laser exited his vehicle, where he was restrained by two of the officers.

The third officer was rescued from under the vehicle soon after.

The 30-year-old driver of the Ford Laser, who is currently on bail, was arrested and later charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of drive at police and one count of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm.

He is expected to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today where bail will be opposed.

Deputy Chief Police Officer, Commander Michael Chew commended the officers involved.

“The two Constables were new to ACT Policing and were being trained in traffic procedures by Road Policing,” DCPO Chew said.

“They remained calm and acted appropriately during what would have been a terrifying situation. I have nothing but praise for the actions of all three officers, who were able to arrest the man despite their injuries.

“I would also like to thank the driver of the Toyota Aurion who didn’t hesitate to assist our officers, along with two other members of the public, to move the vehicle that had trapped the officer.

“All three officers will receive welfare support and assistance during their recovery from their injuries.”

Text: ACT Policing