About 11.50am, police were called to Murray Street/Victoria Square upon reports a man had been seen acting erratically in the area, making threats to members of the public.
Upon arrival, officers observed a man with a jerry can full of petrol and a lighter. It will be alleged the accused had fashioned a wick from a piece of material and placed it into the stopper of the 5-litre jerry can.
The accused attempted to run from pursing police on foot and, as a police officer reached out to apprehend him, it will be further alleged the accused used the lighter to ignite the wick. The fuel ignited and flames engulfed the police officer and the accused.
The officer was able to move back from the flame, narrowly avoiding serious injury. Other attending officers extinguished the fire and provided immediate first aid to the accused.
A 30-year-old male constable received minor burns to his arm and was conveyed to Royal Perth Hospital as a precaution.
The 47-year-old man also received minor burns and was conveyed to Royal Perth Hospital where he was treated for superficial burns.
The 47-year-old man from Broome has been charged with:
2 x Endanger Life, Health or Safety of a Person
1 x Unlawful Act or Omission with Intent to Harm
1 x Criminal Damage by Fire
1 x Possess a Prohibited Drug (Cannabis)
1 x Possess a Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine)
1 x Possessed any drug paraphernalia
He is next due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on 21 February 2025.
