Police officer injured in hit-run incident
A Victoria Police officer has been hit by a stolen vehicle which was fleeing from Melbourneās Eastlink tunnel.
A Senior Constable shot at the vehicle before being run over on Wednesday,Ā police confirmed.
It is understoodĀ the officer was thenĀ knocked over a guard rail after police indicated to the driver to pull over.
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Police said the officerās injuries to his knee and hand were not serious, but he was transported to hospital for treatment.
Police are searching for the car in question āĀ a dark-coloured XR6 Falcon with damage to the front of the car.
The car registration plate is 1EJ 6PE and likely has damage to one of its passenger side doors.Ā
āAn Automatic Number Plate Recognition site was set up outside the Mullum Mullum tunnel, city bound on EastLink, about 1:20pm when a vehicle was detected with stolen plates,ā police said in a statement.
āThe driver did not pull over as directed by police, which caused an officer to jump out of the way.
āThe officer discharged his firearm during the incident.ā
Police said the driver was still on the run and they were not investigating the shooting.
The incident happened near the entrance to the Melba tunnel, on the city-bound side.
On Wednesday afternoon, a caller to Melbourne radio stationĀ 3AWĀ described how the incidentĀ dramatically occurred around him.
āAs they passed my vehicle they tried to apprehend this gentleman,ā caller Jean-Pierre told 3AW.
āThe gentleman swerved out behind my car, hit one of the officers and did a runaway.
āI got out of my car just to make sure the officer was okay.
āI think [the police officer] has probably got a severe injury on his knee because he couldnāt really walk on it.
āBut other than that, heās okay.ā
EastLink said it had closed the tunnel in both directions and there are reports traffic is being turned around.
Traffic is backed up at the tunnel entrance and there are reports traffic is being turned around.
Police helicopters have also been spotted in the area.
Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime StoppersĀ on 1800 333 000.
ā with ABC
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