Injured RBT police officer faces more surgery to amputate lower leg

SENIOR Constable Jonathon Wright, who was hit by a car ploughing into his random breath testing site in Leumeah, will have the remainder of his lower leg and knee amputated but is hoping to return home soon to start his recovery.

Senior Constable Jonathon Wright (pictured with wife Lisa) will have more surgery tomorrow and is keen to return home soon so he can begin his recovery. Picture: Facebook

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ONE of the police officers seriously injured when a car ploughed into a random breath testing site in Leumeah will on Friday have further surgery to remove more of his leg but he hopes to return home to his family soon so he can start his lengthy recovery.

Senior Constable Jonathon Wright said the remainder of his lower leg and knee would be removed during the operation but he was keen to get himself back on track, return home and spend time with his wife Lisa and their three children.

Lisa and Jonathon Wright and their three children. Picture: Supplied by family

Superintendent David Driver and Highway Patrol Supervisor Tidyman arrive at Liverpool Hospital to visit the two injured police officers.

Sen-Constable Wright and fellow officer Matthew Foley were setting up the RBT site on Campbelltown Rd on Friday night, February 16, when a car crushed them against their police vehicle, causing life-threatening injuries.

Sen-Constable Wright said he and his family were extremely grateful to our local and the greater community, to every person, community group and business, for their support, kindness and well wishes since the crash.

“All the donations, including monetary, meals and groceries have certainly relieved pressure throughout this traumatic time,’’ he said.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for Sen-Constable Wright and his family has raised $108,478.

A similar campaign for Sen-Constable Foley, and set up by Macquarie Fields highway patrol, has raised $30,250.

A dented van at the RBT site in Leumeah. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Sen-Constable Wright said he was truly grateful that these donations had provided his wife Lisa some time to focus on their children while they try and deal with their dad being in hospital.

“I have a lengthy recovery. I hope to be home shortly after this surgery and getting myself back on track, spending time with my family,’’ he said.

Sen-Constable Wright’s leg was crushed by the impact of the crash and his colleagues who applied a tourniquet are credited with saving his life.

Following the crash, Ruse car driver Jakob Thornton, 22, was charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm, causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motor vehicle, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and driving while using a mobile phone when not permitted. He remains in custody and the matter returns to Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to then decide whether to refer the matter to the District Court.

A NSW Police critical incident team is investigating all circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation will be subject to independent review.

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