Eastern Freeway driver hospitalised after rooftop stand-off with police
A Porsche driver accused of filming a dying police officer after a fatal crash on Melbourne's Eastern Freeway has been taken to hospital after a disturbance at his home.
Richard Pusey has been committed to stand trial on driving charges and one count of outraging public decency over allegations he used his mobile phone to film the aftermath of a crash on the Eastern Freeway in Kew on April 22. Four police officers were killed in the crash.
Emergency services were called to the 42-year-old’s Melbourne home after reports of a disturbance, about 11.30pm on Sunday. Police had to negotiate with him to get off the roof.
A police spokeswoman said officers held concerns for the welfare of those inside after people were heard yelling and windows being smashed.
"The resident of the home was contacted by police but did not provide access to the property," they said.
"Due to concerns for the welfare of the occupants, the Critical Incident Response Team police forced entry to the warehouse-style residence before finding the male on the roof.
Richard Pusey, right, in police custody outside his home earlier this year. Credit:Nine News
"Police cordoned off the area and CIRT officers negotiated with the man before he surrendered to police without incident."
The CIRT unit is a specialised team of heavily armed officers that responds to potentially high-risk incidents involving dangerous or armed offenders considered beyond the capabilities of regular police.
Paramedics and firefighters were also called to the scene and placed on standby as specialist police attempted to negotiate with Mr Pusey.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said the 42-year-old was later taken to hospital in a stable condition.
A woman who was also in the property at the time of initial disturbance wasn't injured and is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the incident, police said.
Mr Pusey is awaiting a criminal trial for a string of driving offences after allegedly filming a dying police officer and the aftermath of the crash on the Eastern Freeway at Kew on April 22.
He had been pulled over for allegedly speeding when a truck veered into the emergency lane, killing Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney.
He was released on bail in October with strict conditions after a six-month stint in custody and is due to return to court in February.
Mohinder Singh, who was driving the truck that hit the officers, pleaded guilty earlier this month to four counts of culpable driving causing death, possessing a drug of dependence and drug trafficking.
Trucking company manager Simiona Tuteru, 49, is set to fight charges of manslaughter relating to the deaths of four police officers.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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Ashleigh McMillan is a breaking news reporter at The Age. Got a story? Email me at a.mcmillan@theage.com.au
Erin covers crime for The Age. Most recently she was a police reporter at the Geelong Advertiser.