Queensland policeman fighting for life after being hit by stolen car

Claims of Queensland youth crime crisis after teen alleged to be serial offender was in a stolen car that critically injured a young constable.

Constable Peter McAulay is fighting for his life.Picture: Queensland Police Service Academy.

A Queensland policeman is fighting for his life after being struck by a stolen car, with two teenage joyriders charged with his attempted murder.

The shocking incident has sparked claims from the state opposition of a youth crime crisis, with one of the teenagers alleged to be a serial offender who had appeared in court only a day earlier.

Constable Peter McAulay had just placed road spikes over Brisbane Road at Booval, west of Brisbane, to stop the vehicle when he was hit at about 5am yesterday.

The two occupants of the car fled on foot but were tracked by a police dog and his handler.

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl and charged them with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The drug ice was reportedly found in the vehicle.

Constable McAulay, 24, was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he underwent surgery for serious head injuries.

He remained in an induced coma in a critical condition in the intensive care ward last night, having also suffered other serious injuries including broken bones.

As his colleagues prepared to mark National Police Remembrance Day today, the Queensland Police Service issued a statement expressing “sincere hope” for an improvement in his condition.

“Every officer and staff member of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is thinking of Constable McAulay, his family and his loved ones today,” the statement read.

“The QPS would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical and support staff who have been involved in his treatment.”

LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said youth car crime had risen by 42 per cent in the last two years.

“Youth crime in this state under the Labor government is out of control,” Mr Mander said.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the use of remote engine immobilisers could have averted the accident.

“Sadly, I’ve written over the past six years to successive prime ministers with the view of having remote engine immobilisers put in all new vehicles,” he said.

“Both sides of politics, this has fallen on deaf ears.”

Constable McAulay, from Goodna police station, was four years into his career and “loved his job”, he said.

“He was actually on his way into Ipswich to do something else and obviously he took action to prevent crime and apprehend people and here he is now in the fight of his life.

“The next 24 hours he has a fight which we just pray he gets through.

“This is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with his colleagues, his partner and his family as well.”