Brevet Sergeant Mark Woods identified as alleged hit-and-run victim in state’s mid north

The police officer struck in an alleged hit-and-run in the state’s Mid North has been identified.

An “unbelievable” country police officer injured in an alleged hit-and-run in the state’s mid north was as a close friend of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last year.

Brevet Sergeant Mark Woods, who is based at the Orroroo Police Station, was hit by a Holden SUV on the Barrier Hwy at Ucolta about 3pm Friday after a lengthy police chase.

The driver, a 43-year-old Victorian man, had led police on a chase after being pulled over earlier.

His car was spiked several times during the pursuit before he allegedly veered towards Sergeant Woods and hit him, sending him flying several metres in the air.

In a statement on Saturday morning, SA Police said the driver fled the scene after the incident and was tracked by PolAir as he headed south on the Barrier Hwy.

Brevet Sergeant Mark Woods was struck by a car in an alleged hit-and-run in the state’s mid north. Picture: Supplied

He was arrested at 3.45pm about 1.6km north of Hallett before being charged with attempted murder, acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to escape police pursuit, leave the scene of an accident and other traffic offences.

He was refused police bail to face the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

His car was seized for forensic examination.

Police said Sergeant Woods was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Friday afternoon for treatment of non life-threatening injuries, which are understood to include broken ribs.

In a tragic coincidence, it can be revealed Sergeant Woods was close friends with Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, who was shot and killed while on duty in an incident at Senior on November 16 last year.

The pair had become friends while Sergeant Woods was stationed in the South East, where Sergeant Doig was the officer-in-charge of the Lucindale Police Station.

An Orroroo local described Sergeant Woods, who has been posted to the town several times and is involved with local sporting clubs, as an “unbelievable” country police officer.

Sergeant Woods was a close friend of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, who was shot and killed on duty last November. Picture: Supplied

“He’s a fantastic bloke,” he said. “He does a fantastic job.

“We’ve all got a great relationship with him. He’s a policeman first but he’s a good bloke. “He’s just mates with everyone. He’s a good guy. He’s wonderful for our community.”

He said he was “disgusted” at the incident.

“I’d be really concerned that a bloke like Mark would stop being a policeman, that’s what your big worry is,” he said.

“You’ve got good guys and girls doing a really good job and then something like this happens and they might think do they really need to be putting their lives on the line.”

Orroroo Hotel publican Shane Hamilton said Sergeant Woods was a “brilliant bloke”.

“You couldn’t ask for a better bloke,” he said.

Police Association of South Australia president Mark Carroll said the incident highlighted the dangers of policing.

“This is a very serious and horrifying incident,” Mr Carroll told the Sunday Mail.

“We are thankful for the aid rendered by our members, colleagues and the medical and ambulance staff.

“We are reminded daily of the perils our members face in the protection of our communities.”

Orroroo Carrieton District Council Mayor Grant Chapman said Sergeant Woods was a “fantastic” country cop.

“Everyone respects him and likes him,” he said.

“He’s a very big part of the community.”

Port Pirie CIB detectives and Major Crash officers are continuing investigations.