Off-duty cop hailed a hero for tackling driver after Flinders St rampage
THE off-duty police sergeant from Melbourne’s east who heroically tackled Saeed Noori just seconds after his SUV rampage was on Friday recovering in hospital after surgery on his injured hand.
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THE off-duty police sergeant from Melbourne’s east who heroically tackled Saeed Noori just seconds after his SUV rampage was on Friday recovering in hospital after surgery on his injured hand.
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The Herald Sun has been told the officer leapt from a tram to drag Mr Noori out of his vehicle almost the instant it crashed into a tram stop on Flinders St. He broke a finger tackling the driver.
Opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue on Friday called for the sergeant to be given a bravery award.
He said: “The courageous off-duty police officer who saw the threat responded by putting himself in danger, tackling the driver of the vehicle and arresting him.
“He is a hero who should be considered for an award to recognise this remarkable bravery.
“Victorians are lucky to have such courageous, highly trained police and other first responders who are willing to put themselves on the line to come to the help of others.
“The community is fortunate to have the teams of selfless volunteers from the Red Cross, the Victorian Council of Churches and elsewhere giving their time to help those in need.”
Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt praised the actions of police and emergency services at the scene, as well as the off-duty officer.
“Our members don’t know what they are walking into with a situation like that,” he said. “They have no idea what they are running towards and we all assume the worst.
“Police officers are putting service over themselves. His actions were what we have come to expect from all our members who put their lives on the line every day for the rest of us.
“A police officer is never off duty ... it is a responsibility they all carry night and day and with that responsibility, they carry the challenges to their personal safety that come with the role.”
Police Minister Lisa Neville said: “The actions of the off-duty police officer, who pulled the offender from the car and put himself in harm’s way without hesitation, were heroic.
“There were 16 trainee police who acted with courage and bravery, just 13 weeks into their training.
“All police officers, responding within seconds of the event, illustrate the commitment and dedication of our police officers.”
Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and Premier Daniel Andrews praised the officer and lauded his actions.
“You would describe it as heroic,” Mr Patton said.
“Stepping in and taking action ... not knowing what he is risking, it is heroic.”
Mr Patton said the driver resisted arrest. “He has been taken into custody after somewhat of a fight between them.”
He said the driver had a history of drug use and mental health issues.
“He is on a mental health plan and receiving treatment,” Mr Patton said.
Mr Andrews said it was an “evil” act. “What occurred on Flinders St this afternoon was an act of evil and an act of cowardice,” he said.
The Premier praised the hero officer who apprehended the suspect.
“We would be right to single him out for special praise for the way in which he instinctively came to the aid of others,” Mr Andrews said.
He also praised all the emergency services staffers who reacted and helped the injured at the scene.
“It is important to acknowledge all Victorians are proud of them for their diligence and the professional way they were able to take control of the scene and avoid potential for further serious injury.”
Mr Andrews said the thoughts of all Victorians were with those injured in the horrifying act.
He said there was nothing to suggest a link to terrorism.
“I just want to reiterate that.
“At this time, we don’t have any evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism, having said (that) we continue to support this investigation with our counter-terrorism command to ensure that there isn’t that connection and that there is no ongoing threat,” Mr Andrews said.
“ ... In respect to where we go from here, obviously the scene’s going to take some time to work through.
“Overnight, we are hoping to have this scene completed from an examination perspective by morning.”