North Queensland police officer loses tips of fingers in altercation
A senior police constable was taken to hospital with a severe hand injury after an incident during an attempted arrest in Kelso, Townsville, on Tuesday.
Acting Superintendent Steve Munro from Townsville Police District said police were trying to arrest a man just before 2pm in Riverway Drive when the incident happened.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene, named by police as convicted armed robber Kasie Rice.
"Preliminary investigations we have suggest the man rammed the police vehicle with his car," Superintendent Munro said.
"During that incident the officer's fingers have become stuck between the vehicles which has resulted in them being crushed.
"The officer has lost the tips of two of his fingers, which upon medical advice, cannot be salvaged."
The male police officer was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but Superintendent Munro said they were "significant".
"The offender, Kasie Rice, was released on a court-ordered parole, and as such there were certain conditions to which he had to abide by.
"These conditions were set by the Queensland Corrective Services."
Rice was required to stay at the rehabilitation centre in Townsville and was fitted with an electronic monitoring device, the superintendent said.
Superintendent Munro said Rice left the centre on June 15 in contravention of parole conditions and "forcibly removed" the device.
The parole board issued a warrant for Rice, who had been avoiding police ever since.
"Kasie Rice is a violent and motivated offender," Superintendent Munro said.
"We are very fortunate we have such a professional, well-trained police force in Townsville.
"I wish to offer and hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery to our officer for the injuries he has incurred today."
The officer's team were supporting him during his recovery, Superintendent Munro said.