A man who allegedly struck a police officer in a hit and run in South Australia has been charged with attempted murder.
Brevet Sergeant Mark Woods, a respected police officer, was allegedly mowed down by a 43-year-old Victorian man during a traffic stop on the Barrier Highway near Ucolta.
The Orroroo-based officer, known to locals as “Woodsy”, was airlifted to Adelaide where he remains recovering from a concussion and broken ribs.
Sergeant Woods was attempting to stop a Holden SUV around 3pm yesterday in the state’s mid-north.
A witness told 9News the Holden’s tyres were spiked and it veered off the road, allegedly striking Sergeant Woods before driving away.
Police said the vehicle then left the scene and was tracked from the air as it continued south on the Barrier Highway.
The alleged driver continued for 60 kilometres until they were arrested north of Hallett about 3.45pm.
The Orroroo community has rallied around Sergeant Woods, with locals describing him as a pillar of the community.
Police said Sergeant Woods was recovering well in hospital with his fiance and two children by his bedside.
Along with attempted murder he has been charged with acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to escape police pursuit, leave the scene of an accident and other traffic offences.
The man will appear in court on Tuesday.
