A Queensland police officer has been hit and killed by a stolen car while on duty north of Brisbane.
A manhunt is underway for the driver who fled the scene.
Senior Constable Dave Masters, 53, was responding to a suspected stolen vehicle when he was struck on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary just after 3 a.m., police say.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll on Saturday morning visited the scene, and offered her condolences to the officer’s family and friends.
“Police officers are very close—it’s one big family—and today is a very tough day,” she said.
“Dave is a highly regarded police officer (with) ten years in the organisation ... hardworking, capable, a beacon at the station, much loved by everyone.”
Queensland Police Union secretary Mick Barnes said the incident again highlights the inherent danger involved in all police work.
“Dave’s life has been cut tragically short for one reason and one reason alone—for simply doing his job,” he said.
“We know that when we leave home to go to work each day, there are never any guarantees we will come home at the end of the day.
“(But) Dave—as a parent, husband, and committed officer—leaves behind a station in shock and disbelief.”
Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit and Ethical Standards Command have begun, as police search for the driver of the white Hyundai Kona SUV, who fled the scene.
The investigation will also probe the use of road spikes in the incident.
Homicide squad Superintendent Craig Murrow said the vehicle—a hire car from Ipswich that wasn’t returned—has not been spotted since, and called for motorists who have dash cam footage of the incident to come forward.
Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit and Ethical Standards Command have begun, as police search for the driver of the white Hyundai Kona SUV, who fled the scene.
Massive delays are expected along the Bruce Highway for hours, with northbound lanes at Burpengary closed, the RACQ says.
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