Driver charged after cop injured

SENIOR police are looking at ways to protect officers after a member was struck by an allegedly stolen car in Bell Park yesterday.

Two teens were last night in custody after the dramatic incident which officers say sparked a short pursuit and resulted in two police cars being rammed.

Geelong Inspector Bruce Thomas said ramming of police cars was becoming a concerning trend across Geelong and Victoria.

Police say patrolling officers found the allegedly stolen Hyundai in Yaraan St about 1am yesterday.

Officers arrested a teenage girl but spokesman Leading Senior Constable Adam West said the driver took off.

While leaving the scene he allegedly hit the police officer and the teen girl before ramming into a police vehicle.

The Hyundai was involved in a short pursuit to Ballarat Rd where it rammed another police vehicle before it was stopped and the driver arrested.

A Leading Senior Constable was taken to hospital with injuries to his legs after the incident.

The alleged driver is Whittington man Pacey Pettina. The 19-year-old was also hospitalised, along with a 16-yearold girl.

Mr Pettina has since been charged with 16 offences including car theft, reckless conduct endangering life and intentionally exposing a police officer to risk by driving.

He made no application for bail during a brief hearing in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Insp Thomas said Victoria Police was working hard to ensure members were aware of the risks they faced on the job.

“We always debrief after every incident,” he said.

Investigations into Thursday’s incident are ongoing.

Mr Pettina will return to court on January 10.