Qld cop charged over car chase shots

A Queensland police officer is facing criminal charges after allegedly firing shots at a getaway car during a chase on the Gold Coast.

Senior Constable Barry Wellington has been charged with dangerous conduct with a weapon over the incident last May when it's alleged he fired shots at the getaway car after an armed robbery.

He and his partner, controversial policeman Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley - who has not been charged over the incident - were stood down following the incident.

It has been reported the pair were ordered to pull away from the chase twice, before the shots were fired.

Queensland Police Union acting president Shayne Maxwell said the union is "fully supporting all police involved in this incident".

"It is outrageous that police can be charged for doing their job," he said.

"A police officer could have been killed.

Sen Sgt Hurley was acquitted of the Palm Island manslaughter of Cameron Doomadgee in 2007 and is currently suspended after being charged with assaulting a female police officer and another man while off duty.

He will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on May 10.