Public helps cops catch suspects

Police have commended the swift community response in helping officers catch one of the alleged offenders involved in ramming a police car.

About 10am on July 12, two Yarloop officers were returning from Bunbury to Yarloop along Clifton Road in Brunswick, just off Forrest Highway.

They spotted two men acting suspiciously near a Toyota Hilux on the side of the road.

Believing the men may require assistance, or could possible be changing the licence plates, the officers doubled back towards the men.

The two men allegedly entered the Hilux and sped off with the Yarloop officers giving chase.

Police allege the driver of the Hilux braked and reversed at speed into the front of the police car.

The men allegedly drove off again, the officers following them.

At this point officers allege the driver stopped the vehicle and reversed at speed into the police car once more.

The force of the collision caused the Toyota to become stuck to the front of the police car, so the men fled on foot.

One of the officers involved in the incident, Yarloop police Sgt Lindsay Collett, said he and fellow officer Const. Jason Annen called for back-up.

During this time several residents near the Treendale Shopping Centre called through to police with the location of the men.

The two officers gave chase on foot and located one of the alleged offenders inside a hardware store in Treendale.

Back-up officers from Bunbury blocked in Hilux to prevent escape and further damage.

It was later discovered the Hilux had been stolen during a burglary in Bunbury that morning.

“We are very grateful to all the community members who called in to assist with this incident,” Sgt Collett said.

“In 16 years of frontline policing I’ve never experienced such disregard for anyone’s safety, police and public, as displayed by the suspect.” Bunbury police are investigating.