In a distressing incident on Melbourne’s Tullamarine Freeway late last night, a police dog named Rocco was ejected from a police vehicle following a collision with a white Mercedes Benz. The accident occurred around 10:45 PM when the Mercedes crashed into the back of the police car.
Rocco, a German shepherd, was thrown from the vehicle due to the force of the impact. Fortunately, he is currently receiving treatment at a veterinary clinic for injuries that, while worrying, are not life-threatening. His handler, a police officer, sustained only minor injuries and was assessed at the scene before being taken to a hospital for further observation.
The driver of the Mercedes, a 19-year-old man from Oak Park, remained at the scene unharmed. However, his passenger, a 21-year-old woman from Meadow Heights, required hospitalisation for her non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the incident, the man was charged with several offences, including dangerous driving and reckless conduct. He has been granted bail and is set to appear in court on January 21 of the coming year. The situation underscores the risks faced by both police and their canine partners while serving the community.