A driver who struck a Police officer on the Gold Coast remains on the run, as calls mount for tougher penalties for people who injure Police.
The officer was responding to reports of a group being threatened by a person with a weapon at Glennon Park in Nerang around 7.40am on Tuesday.
As Police arrived, the offender fled in a white Hyundai i30 with false registration plates, striking the officer in the process.
The constable suffered grazes and bruising to his face, neck and knees and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.
The officer was discharged later on Tuesday and is now recovering at home.
“This type of behaviour won’t be tolerated. Police don’t expect to come to work to be injured in the line of duty,” Acting Superintendent Kayleen James said.
“We have a very hard job to do. We also have families and loved ones who care about us and we want to go home at the end of the day.”
The park is known to be frequented by homeless people with Police looking at any links.
“I can understand the concern from the community about this type of incident, it is certainly serious in nature.
“We hope to find those who are responsible very quickly and hold them accountable for their action.”
The Queensland Police Union has slammed those responsible, saying respect for Police has never been lower.
The Union plans to raise the issue with the state government, pushing for minimum sentences.
“We could have very easily been talking about the death of a Police officer or a Police officer that would have career-ending injuries,” QPU President Shane Prior said.
“Grubs like this need to see the inside of a jail cell. If you are willing to assault or injure a Police officer at work, then you should absolutely be locked up for a period of time.”
