Cop hit by alleged stolen Merc on Brisbane’s southside

Chilling footage has captured an allegedly stolen Mercedes in a McDonald’s drive-through moments before a cop was deliberately run down, as police issue a warning to the driver and passenger. WATCH THE VIDEO

The police officer deliberately hit by an alleged stolen car has been identified as Senior Constable Luke Zannier as chilling CCTV footage is released of the moments before the incident and police issue a warning to the driver.

Sen Const. Zannier was conducting speed checks on Orange Grove Rd at Salisbury and attempted to intercept a white Mercedes sedan by entering the roadway on foot.

The car was then allegedly driven directly at the officer and he was hit.

Acting Detective Inspector Mick Manago said the Mercedes was speeding when it “drove at” Sen Const. Zannier and sped off.

Police have released CCTV footage of the stolen Mercedes entering a McDonald’s drive-through at Salisbury.

The footage reveals a close-up of the Mercedes driver and passenger, who police are seeking to identify.

The stolen Mercedes at the McDonald's restaurant. Picture: QPS

Two men wanted after a police officer was hit by a stolen Mercedes in Brisbane's south.

Chilling footage has also been released of the Mercedes approaching Sen Const. Zannier moments before he was mowed down.

Act Det Insp Manago thanked the motorists who rendered first aid to Sen Const. Zannier before paramedics arrived.

In a direct appeal to the driver and passenger, Act Det Insp Manago urged the pair to make contact with police.

“We know who you are, do the right thing and surrender to police,” he said.

Act Det Insp Manago said the incident had been “upsetting” to see another officer injured while doing their job.

“Noone in the QPS goes to work at the start of the shift and expects to end up in hospital,” he said.

“So it is upsetting and confronting but we will continue to support that member throughout his recovery.”

Detectives appealed for anyone who had been in the vicinity of Orange Grove Rd and Evans Rd at Salisbury about 6.20am or anyone “driving erratically” along Kessels Rd to contact police.

The police officer struck by an allegedly stolen Mercedes in Brisbane's south on Wednesday morning has been identified as Luke Zannier. Picture: Facebook

Queensland Police Union vice-president Shane Prior wrote in a Facebook post that the officer’s wife was at his bedside and initial tests were “really positive”.

“He has a little way to go but we are hopeful,” Mr Prior wrote.

Mr Prior had just come from visiting Sen Constable Zannier when he spoke with media

He said the father of two was conscious and had been apologising to his wife for “not being able to jump out of the way”.

“I was at his bedside this morning and to see the anguish on Jodie’s face while he was being treated was very emotional,” he said.

“Despite all this it was actually Luke saying to Jodie he was sorry for not being able to jump out of the way.”

Mr Prior said the incident had “hit a nerve” with officers as it had only been six months since Senior Constable David Masters was struck and killed by a woman allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.

The moment before a police officer was hit by a stolen Mercedes. Picture: QPS

“We as police are horrified about what has occurred today,” he said.

“It draws very strong parallels to Dave Masters and it has really hit a nerve with our members.”

Mr Prior said Sen Const. Zannier, 40, is an experienced officer and had been with the service for almost 15 years.

“Luke Zannier is a fine experienced officer and all he was doing was his job,” he said.

“This incident could have easily resulted in the [death] of another police officer.”

Police at the scene of the alleged hit-and-run of an officer by a stolen car. Picture: Danielle Buckley

The vehicle left the scene and was later found on Eaton Plc at Wishart.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen a white Mercedes sedan in the Wishart area between 6.40-6.50am on Wednesday to come forward.

A policeman has been seriously injured after he was hit by an allegedly stolen car while conducting speed checks on Orange Grove Rd at Salisbury, on Brisbane's southside. https://t.co/9MOXsuE6qEpic.twitter.com/lBjOHPvS7F

— The Courier-Mail (@couriermail) December 7, 2021

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

The incident closed Orange Grove Rd in Salisbury in both directions, with local traffic diversions put in place. It has since reopened.

At least six officers remained at the scene of the collision on Orange Grove Rd at 8.30am.

The car was allegedly driven directly at the officer and he was hit. Picture: Danielle Buckley

Forensic crash investigators could be seen flying a drone above the crash area and taking photographs.

The injured police officer’s LiDAR scanner could be seen lying on the median strip on the road.

Two hours after the alleged hit and run, the driver remained at large.

The injured police officer’s LiDAR scanner could be seen lying on the median strip on the road. Picture: Danielle Buckley

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said when she received the text telling her an officer had been hit it “took my breath away”.

“How we averted a tragedy this morning was just a miracle, by the grace of God I’d say,” Commissioner Carroll said.

She said police knew who they were looking for.

“I say to that person, if you’re watching me or any other police about this, hand yourself in, because it’s only a matter of time before we will find you,” she said.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was a miracle tragedy was averted this morning. Picture: Josh Woning

Connie Forsyth, 62, lives across the road from the scene of the crash.

She said she was eating her breakfast when she heard a “big bang”.

“I was sitting watching television eating my breakfast when I heard a big bang,” she said.

Ms Forsyth said she assumed there had been a minor car crash, but minutes later saw police cars, paramedics and fire trucks on scene.

She was surprised to learn the incident had involved a pedestrian and car.

Residents in Eaton Place, Wishart — where the car was dumped — said they saw Polair and the dog squad combing the street and a nearby park.

Connie Forsyth said a "big bang" was what first alerted her to an incident on Wednesday morning where a police officer was hit by a car. Picture: Danielle Buckley

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she saw the damaged Mercedes when she looked out her bedroom window this morning.

“The Mercedes had a smashed windscreen and the bonnet was raised,” she said.

The woman said a police dog “got on the smell” and took officers through a park.

She said the officers told her they were looking for keys.