At approximately 12.55pm today, as a police vehicle has driven up Stokes Valley Road, a vehicle has turned from Chittick St and the driver has tried to conceal their identity from police officers.
Due to this suspicious behaviour, officers have begun to make a U-turn and, during this, the vehicle has taken off at speed. Police officers have then initiated a pursuit with lights and sirens.
As the vehicle has tried to navigate a number of corners further up the road, it has lost control and struck a traffic management worker who was part of a team working on the powerlines.
Once the vehicle has come to a stop, it appears three occupants have exited the vehicle and ran off.
The pursuing police car has stopped and one police officer has provided initial first aid to the worker before emergency services have arrived. The worker has since been taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The second police officer has chased after the driver, and has then held the scene for a police dog team. The dog team has arrived and followed a trail to a nearby location. A male was located and is now helping police with their inquiries.
As with any fleeing driver situation, police have launched an investigation into the incident and will be notifying the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) of the incident.
ENDS
Released by PNHQ Public Affairs