Union boss slams ‘callous’ offenders
The head of the Queensland Police Union has called on the courts to act after a 45-yearold Oakey man allegedly ran down two officers while driving a stolen truck.
Both of the officers were hospitalised, with one suffering multiple broken bones and internal bleeding.
“(The) incident shows the callous disregard criminals have for life. We could have had multiple police killed or critically injured this afternoon,” Ian Leavers said.
“The police involved luckily had fast-thinking colleagues providing them with immediate first aid and assistance until medical teams arrived. Their training and skills are part of the reason we do not have a tragic situation.”
Police were tracking a Hino 300 Series truck through the Darling Downs after it was stolen from an Oakey business about 4am on Wednesday.
The vehicle was sighted in Meringandan West after it almost collided with several
Toowoomba Regional Council road workers near the intersection of Peters Rd and Thomas St.
Shortly after this, two officers from the Toowoomba Property Crime Squad located the truck parked across from the Meringandan Produce store on GoombungeeMeringandan Rd about 1.30pm.
They exited their vehicles and attempted to pull the 45year-old man from the truck when he allegedly accelerated and ran down both officers, before ramming their vehicle.
The driver was later arrested at the Goombungee rubbish dump where is alleged to have rammed another two police vehicles.
“The Queensland Police Union is providing assistance to the injured officers and their families,” Mr Leavers said.
“I hope the offenders involved are dealt with appropriately by the courts. We will be urging for the maximum penalties to be applied because it is in line with community expectation.”
Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki addressed the matter in Queensland parliament on Wednesday afternoon and said the government needed to act.
“This week we have had two significant ram raiding incidents,” he said.
“Once upon a time offenders used to flee the police; now they are running at them.
“There has never been a more dangerous time for a police officer to serve and protect their community than right now in Queensland.
“So love and strength to the four officers who were injured today along with the three police cars that were damaged and the property damage that has been ongoing.
“We will not stop fighting for stronger laws and better resourcing for the police and early intervention that works.”
The owners of the stolen truck, Daniel and Natasha Renyard, from TyreRight Oakey, thanked the officers for their sacrifice and the community for their help.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us locate our work vehicles today,” Ms Renyard.
“We appreciated every phone call, love and support from customers, friends and family.
“Everyone played a part with their piece of the puzzle that we put together to locate these alleged offenders.
“I would also like to thank the police for everything they have done today, it is proven today that these wonderful people put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the officers hurt today protecting our community.”