A 23-year-old man will be accused of the father-of-two’s murder after he reportedly ran over and murdered a police officer in Western Australia.
Constable Anthony Woods’ life support was turned off by his “shattered” family, and he later passed away from his wounds in the hospital.
Paul Gale, president of the WA Police Union, praised Woods for his “courage and commitment” to the work when paying tribute to him this morning.
On Thursday in the Perth suburb of Ascot, Woods was fatally wounded while he and his partner attempted to detain the occupants of an allegedly stolen automobile.
Reagan Ainsley Chown is accused of running down Woods, reversing over him, dragging the law enforcement official up to 20 metres, and ultimately pinning him under the vehicle.
Before the ambulance arrived, “his partners and other officers on the scene did everything they could, giving him CPR,” Gale said.
Anthony tried to survive for the following three days, but his wife and family decided to switch off his life support because of the severity of his terrible injuries.
“This was a decision no family should have to make.”
At police stations around WA, flags will be flown at half-mast today.
“The police and first responders far beyond are feeling the effects of this senseless act and tragedy. His wife, family, friends, and coworkers have our deepest sympathies, Gale said.
“Anthony demonstrated the bravery and dedication necessary to excel as a police officer. This individual’s life was lost far too soon.
We are a blue family, and that impacts everyone everywhere. I have received an overwhelming number of calls.
Chown was first accused of stealing a car, narcotics offences, and an effort to evade arrest that resulted in serious bodily harm.
He is held in jail till his upcoming court date.
Woods’ relatives claimed that his passing had devastated them.
The family released an emotional statement in which they said, “Our pain at this time is indescribable.”
“To lose our beloved Anthony has left us shattered.”He was a loving son, brother, and uncle who was tragically snatched from this world too soon. He was a loyal husband.
Anthony will be recalled as a humorous, hard-working man who cherished the West Coast Eagles and having a good time with his friends.
Woods, a three-year veteran of the force and “a brave and dedicated” officer, was praised by WA Police Commissioner Col. Blanch.
Everyone is in pain, he declared.
As we always do, we’ll wrap our arms around his family as well as our suffering police colleagues to express our love and support.
“You did the right thing, mate.”
A 20-year-old lady and a 25-year-old male who were also in the car were freed awaiting additional investigation.
Woods’ coworkers had to lift the car off him using a car jack they had to borrow from a neighbour.
He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition after suffering chest injuries.
Woods is the 88th police officer to pass away while performing their duties in Western Australia.
Gale stated, “It’s been 16 years since our last officer passed away, which is too soon and shouldn’t have happened.
The family of Woods will be provided with a proper police funeral.
