A man will appear at court today, charged over the alleged attempted murder of a police officer in the state’s far north.
The male sergeant from Tweed/Byron Police District was patrolling at Murwillumbah, when he noticed a man and an injured woman walking along Wentworth Street about 4.45pm yesterday (Monday 31 October 2022).
After stopping to check on the woman’s welfare, the officer conducted checks on the man, which revealed he had an outstanding warrant.
When the officer returned to arrest the man, he allegedly attempted to flee, running towards a nearby creek with the officer giving chase before a struggle ensued.
Police will allege in court that during the struggle, the man forcibly held the officer’s head under water.
A member of the public intervened, freeing the officer and assisted to restrain the man, before the officer was able to affect the arrest.
Additional police arrived a short time later and the 33-year-old Queensland man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with attempted murder.
He has been refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court today (Tuesday 1 November 2022).
The sergeant was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for treatment to water on the lungs. He has since been released from hospital to recover at home.
Local police will review the actions of the member of the public who came to the aid of police, with a view to make recommendations to formally acknowledge his assistance.
