Police car allegedly rammed by drunk driver
Midwest-Gascoyne police say two officers are lucky to have escaped unharmed after their car was allegedly rammed at high speed by a drunk driver at Dongara on Saturday night.
Police were responding to reports a Toyota Landcruiser tray back was driving erratically at a property on Brand Highway, Dongara, when the incident happened about 11pm.
Acting Inspector Brad Bird said police had a pursuit vehicle parked on the side of the road, in front of the property, when the driver of the Toyota allegedly rammed the front of the car, causing major damage.
Two officers were inside the car at the time, but were not injured.
Police arrested the driver, a 70-year-old Dongara man.
He was breathalysed and allegedly blew in excess of 0.08.
He was charged with drink driving in excess of 0.08, reckless driving, and endangering the life, health or safety of another person.
He will face Geraldton Magistrate’s Court this month.
Acting Inspector Brad Bird said it was a “very serious incident”.
“I’m just very thankful that the police officers involved were not injured, because it was a very dangerous situation,” he said.
“It will have a big impact because it has put the police vehicle off the road, and that vehicle is not there to act as an overt deterrent and protect the community,” he said.
The police car and the Landcruiser both had to be towed from the scene.
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