Posted May 04, 2019 07:11:04 The officer who died after a police chase through rural Queensland has been honoured with a police medal, the Government announced.
Key points:A police chase involving two vehicles ended in an officer’s deathThe officer was shot dead after being shot in the leg, police say”A hero”The officer’s body was flown to Townsville in a C-130J, and a service was held to honour him.
The incident happened at the end of a chase involving a Ford Falcon, a Holden Commodore and a Volkswagen Passat, the Queensland Government said.
Police said the Falcon and Commodore collided in a parking lot before the Falcon pulled over.
Officers used a shotgun to shoot the Falcon in the head, killing him.
Police described the shooting as “a tragic incident”.
“This is a man who went out of his way to protect and serve the community,” a statement from Queensland Police said.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the officer’s family was “deeply saddened” by the news.””
He would have given his life for his colleagues.”
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the officer’s family was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“They were shocked and saddened to hear the news of the officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty today,” she said.
The officer who was killed was identified as Corporal Michael J Bannister.
He was originally from the Sunshine Coast, and joined the Queensland Police Force in 2016.
The State Government confirmed Corporal Bannisters death, saying it was a tragic and tragic day for the Queensland community.
“This officer, who was a member of the Queensland police, was one of our nation’s finest,” Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
The ABC has not been able to independently verify the identity of the deceased officer.
Topics:police,law-crime-and-justice,police,police-sieges,government-and/or-politics,police—state-issues,qld,port-macquarie-4280,portland-4215,burrumbung-4343Contact Lisa Smith
