Hit-run cop ‘up and about’ 24 hours after Salisbury incident

The police officer mown down by a stolen Mercedes-Benz is back on his feet as the hunt continues for the culprits.

The senior constable who was hit by an allegedly stolen Mercedes-Benz in Brisbane’s south while conducting speed checks is on track to make a full recovery, while the driver who allegedly drove at the officer remains on the run.

Just a day after Luke Zannier, 40, was struck while on patrol at Orange Grove Rd in Salisbury, a photograph shared by a colleague shows him recovering in the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

“Senior Constable Luke Zannier is up and about after being struck by a car at Salisbury yesterday,” Queensland Police Union vice-president Shane Prior said.

“Scans confirm a few broken ribs and some lacerations but doctors are confident he is on track to make a full recovery physically.

“He’s very sore and will take some more time in hospital.”

Luke Zannier with QPU vice-president Shane Prior

The father of two, who has been a police officer for almost 15 years, sustained back and arm injuries when he was hit after walking on to the road in a bid to stop the Mercedes as it sped along the Brisbane road about 6.30am on Wednesday.

Luke Zannier with his wife Jodie and two children. Picture: Facebook

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll told reporters it was “just a miracle” he was not killed.

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

Forensic crash investigators on the scene at Salisbury. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Police yesterday released CCTV footage of the driver stopping for McDonald’s in the white Mercedes minutes before the alleged hit and run.

The damaged car, believed to have been stolen from Bardon a week earlier, was later dumped about 8km away in Eaton Place, Wishart.

The officer’s LIDAR scanner was seen shattered on the median strip hours after the alleged hit and run. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Police revealed they know who the alleged offenders are and urged them to hand themselves in.

“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,” Ms Carroll said.

Mr Prior said Sen Const. Zannier and his wife Jodie urged anyone who knew the men involved to come forward.