Police dog Rambo killed while tracking fugitive on Queensland highway

A police dog has been killed while tracking a fugitive in Queensland, with the convicted murderer and drug dealer still on the run.

Police dog Rambo was struck by a car on the Bruce Highway at Maryborough West, on the Fraser Coast, about 1.08am today.

Rambo and his handler were pursuing convicted killer Alan Lace, who allegedly fled from police through bushland just after midnight.

Rambo was rushed to a nearby vet but could not be saved.

Lace was convicted of the 1999 shooting murder of Margaret James in her Caboolture home and jailed for life.

He has since been granted parole and was required to wear an ankle bracelet at all times as part of a strict supervision order.

Lace removed the bracelet last night, with police alerted and tracking him to a Maryborough West service station.

A subsequent search of Lace's car uncovered "a substantial amount of dangerous drugs, cash and other drug-related material", police said.

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Police believe he may still be in the Maryborough area, however also has links to Childers.

Lace is described as Caucasian in appearance, around 180cm tall with a bald head and brown eyes.

Lace is considered dangerous and may be armed.

Queensland Police said Rambo was "a Fraser Coast local".

"He graduated from the academy in 2015 and worked tirelessly in keeping the Maryborough community safe," a police statement read.

"PD Rambo often assisted police in locating missing persons and successfully tracked two property offenders on Australia Day in 2019.

"All QPS dogs are part of their handler's family and the bond between handlers and their dogs makes them inseparable."

The State Dog Squad Capability Coordinator will conduct a review, as per police protocol.

Anyone who knows of Lace's whereabouts is asked to call police immediately on Triple Zero (000).