By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A DANDENONG-based police officer driving a divisional van was injured in a head-on with a fleeing car during a police pursuit in Dandenong North last Thursday.
About 7.55am, officers in a Springvale-based police divisional van had spoken to a 34-year-old Dandenong North man driving a black Holden Statesman in McKenry Place.
Detective Senior Constable Alistair Boyd, of Greater Dandenong CIU, said the Statesman driver was observed as ‘‘erratic in his behaviour’’.
During questioning, the driver performed a U-turn and fled in his car.
Police say the driver, pursued by the divisional van, travelled on the wrong side of the road. His car struck another divisional van head-on.
The wounded police officer, described by detectives as an ‘‘experienced leading senior constable’’, was treated in hospital for spinal injuries.
‘‘It’s not as serious as what it could be, but the injuries will require ongoing treatment,’’ Detective Boyd said.
The Statesman driver was taken to hospital with a broken ankle and hip.
Police say they later found a hockey mask and a semi-automatic Ruger pistol in the man’s car.
The man has not yet been interviewed by detectives but is facing reckless conduct, firearm and traffic charges.
