Police have charged a man following an incident in Diggers Rest on 6 November that has left a police officer in hospital.
An allegedly stolen Toyota RAV4 was initially observed in Diggers Rest around 1.30pm.
Shortly after, officers successfully deployed stop sticks on Aviation Drive.
The driver and his passenger allegedly sped off in the car and struck a police officer.
The Toyota was dumped on Plumpton Road near the Melton Highway and the occupants jumped into the tray of a ute which was allegedly driven by a female.
With the assistance of Air Wing, the ute was tracked to a shopping centre carpark in Taylors Lakes where the two males were arrested.
The female fled the scene and investigators are making enquiries into her whereabouts.
The male Senior Constable was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
A 33-year-old Fraser Rise man has since been charged with:
• Aggravated intentional exposure of police officer to risk by driving (motor vehicle stolen)
• Aggravated reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving (motor vehicle stolen)
• Dangerous driving causing serious injury
• Reckless conduct endanger life
• Reckless conduct endanger serious injury
• Dangerous driving while pursued by police
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Possess prohibited weapon without exemption/approval
• Possess controlled weapon without excuse
• Handle/receive/retention of stolen goods
• Possess other drug of dependence
• Possess a false document
• Negligently deal with proceeds of crime
He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' court today.
A 27-year-old Mernda man was released pending further enquiries.
It is alleged the Toyota RAV4 was stolen from a property in Fitzroy on 5 November.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
