Townsville police trio risk lives saving petrol-soaked man in Heatley

Quick-thinking cops didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line to stop a man who had allegedly doused himself in petrol and was threatening to set himself alight outside a home in Townsville.

Constable Kieran Peters, Senior Constable Peter Alexander and Constable Ellie Mason received Assistant Commissioner's Certificates. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Quick-thinking cops didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line to stop a man who had allegedly doused himself in petrol and was threatening to set himself alight outside a home in Townsville.

Police said officers were tasked to an alleged domestic violence incident on Tuesday, April 16 at a home in Heatley.

Senior Constable Peter Alexander was the first officer on the scene and found an 18-year-old man soaked in fuel and clutching a cigarette lighter.

Despite being alone, Senior Constable Alexander didn’t hesitate to approach the man and begin talking with him.

Police said body-worn camera footage of the incident reveals incredibly tense scenes as he negotiates with the highly emotional individual.

“I was just trying to talk him out of it because, at that time, I didn’t know if he was going to do it,” Senior Constable Alexander said.

“He could have gone up in flames and possibly died, and we could have been burnt as well.”

The seasoned Kirwan cop skilfully distracted the man while Constable Ellie Mason and Constable Kieran Peters arrived on the scene.

The backup crew successfully approached him from behind and used appropriate force to take him to the ground.

Police said they secured his hand holding the lighter and put him in handcuffs.

The man was taken into custody and transported to Townsville hospital for a health assessment.

Acting Superintendent Jason Shepherd praised the trio for their remarkable dedication to duty and commitment to community safety.

The officers were awarded Assistant Commissioner’s Certificates at the Townsville District Police’s 2024 awards presentation on Wednesday night.

Shying away from the praise, Senior Constable Alexander instead highlighted the bravery of his quick-thinking colleagues, Constables Mason and Peters.

“I think they deserve it more than me,” he said.

“I was just doing my job. Honestly. I didn’t think I was doing anything too special.”

The 18-year-old was later charged with common assault (domestic violence offence) and was due to face court at a later date.

Originally published as Townsville police trio risk lives saving petrol-soaked man in Heatley