An Australian man, Richard Pusey, who was arrested on April 23 after allegedly fleeing a multi-vehicle collision that left four Victoria Police officers dead has appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court to face multiple charges on April 24.
The court heard that Victorian police had intercepted Pusey’s black Porsche 911 on April 22 for allegedly speeding at over 140 kilometers (86 miles) per hour. Soon after a semi-trailer driven by Mohinder Singh Bajwa veered into the emergency lane at 100 kilometers per hour and collided with the four officers. At the time of the incident, Pusey was urinating on the side of the freeway, the court heard.
“There you go. Amazing, absolutely amazing,” said Pusey in the body camera footage, as he allegedly walked up to Senior Constable Lynette Taylor while she was pinned by the truck, the court heard.
The court heard that Pusey was also accused of speaking profanities to Taylor as she groaned for help.
Pusey allegedly took photos of the crime scene, including the bodies of the four police officers. Police told the court that there is no evidence that he uploaded the pictures onto social media himself.
Pusey was also accused of asking for a lift to the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy after leaving the scene of the crash.
Pusey’s lawyer said he has mental health issues.
Pusey did not apply for bail and has been remanded in custody for a committal mention on July 16.
The refrigerator truck driver, Mohinder, who was involved in the crash experienced a medical episode at the scene. He remains in hospital care, in a non-health-threatening condition.
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, and Constable Josh Prestney died at the scene.
A Melbourne CBD building displayed an In Memoriam message for the four officers who died. A social media group has been set up for members of the public to send their regards called Victoria Police In Memoriam.
