Driver charged after highway patrol officer struck by car in Brisbane

A driver who allegedly struck a Queensland police officer with his car after he attempted to pull him over has been charged.

Brisbane police say Sergeant Robert Rea was on a motorcycle about 7am when he spotted a dark green Ford Falcon allegedly travelling at 170km/h up the motorway.

The driver was pulled over at the Mine Street exit near Collingwood Park, but then allegedly tried to reverse over Sgt Rea as he approached.

As the officer steered out of the way, the Falcon driver allegedly accelerated into the rear of the motorcycle, throwing Sgt Rea onto the road.

The driver allegedly sped off under the Ipswich Road overpass.

Authorities said around 8pm yesterday, they arrested a 24-year-old man at a property in Ellen Grove.

The Ellen Grove man is facing eight charges, including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He will face the Ipswich Magistrates Court today.  

“Police officers have families, they have children. They don’t come to work to be deliberately driven at and struck by motor vehicles,” Steve Riznyk from the Queensland Police said yesterday.

“The car was observed to swerve at him on the motorbike, and the officer was unable to take evasive action.”

Sgt Rea has been in the force for more than 20 years.

He suffered injuries to his hand and leg.