Police take hard line as officer is bitten

POLICE have renewed their “zero tolerance” stance on assaults against emergency service workers after an officer was bitten on the hand during a violent arrest.

The officer suffered the injury when he tried to arrest a 26- year- old man of no fixed address, who was wanted for four outstanding warrants.

The man was driving a car that failed to stop for officers from the Tactical Crime Squad on Lillipilli St, Heatley, about noon yesterday.

The driver stopped in a driveway on the street and a 28- year- old male passenger fled through a house and over the back fence.

Other officers responded and the man was arrested.

Meanwhile, the driver attempted to flee by driving at police before getting the car wedged on rocks and a water main.

Townsville District Police Acting Sergeant Ben Wilson said a violent struggle ensued as officers attempted to arrest the driver, who appeared to be affected by drugs.

One of the arresting officers was bitten on the hand and the driver and the officer were taken to Townsville Hospital.

“Assaults on emergency service staff will not be tolerated,” he said. “They are simply carrying out their duties and shouldn’t be subjected to assaults ... we will ensure the individuals involved in this incident are prosecuted.”

The driver was taken to hospital to provide specimens for testing while the officer was treated for his cuts.

The man was charged with two counts of serious assault of police, one count each of seriously obstructing police, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle, wilful damage, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and evade police.

The passenger was processed for the outstanding warrants. Both are due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court today.