In one of two violent attacks on local police, authorities are searching for a man after a police officer was allegedly punched, kicked and choked before having his helmet and police-issued body-worn camera stolen.
Police allege 45-year-old Kevin De Vroom bashed a police officer after he was pulled over in a van on Maleny-Montville Rd, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, about 4.30pm on Friday.
In a statement, police alleged the man became hostile and punched and kicked the male sergeant in the head a number of times.
The Sunshine Coast Daily reports the 47-year-old officer used capsicum spray and a Taser but was unsuccessful in stopping the alleged assault.
Police said the man allegedly tried to choke the officer before stealing his helmet which had his police-issued body-worn camera attached.
Police alleged the man then fled in a white 2009 Toyota Hi-Ace van with Queensland registration 730WDZ.
The officer was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with facial injuries, but has since been discharged.
Anyone who has seen Mr De Vroom or knows of his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to contact police immediately.
IN A separate incident on Sunday afternoon, a police officer was allegedly punched several times in the head by a man.
Police said an officer stopped a stolen white Toyota Camry towing a trailer without a registration plate along Johnston Rd, Glass House Mountains, at about 4.45pm.
Police allege 39-year-old Ashley Dodd was a male passenger in the car who was searched by the male sergeant who found a quantity of Oxycodene – a Schedule 8 opiod – on him.
In a bid to escape arrest, Mr Dodd allegedly lashed out at the officer before turning around and punching him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
He then allegedly jumped on the fallen officer and continued to punch him.
Mr Dodd then demanded the driver of the Toyota Camry and a nine-year-old passenger to exit the car, before taking off with the vehicle.
The 49-year-old officer was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for medical treatment of a dislocated finger as well as facial and head injuries including bruises and grazes.
The initial driver, a 24-year-old Glass House Mountains man, is assisting police with their enquiries.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Dodd or knows of his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to contact police immediately.
Police are also appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or who may have seen a white 2001 Toyota Camry with registration 894HAD to come forward. The car was stolen from a Glenview address on December 10.