A Queensland police officer who has been in an induced coma after being hit by an alleged stolen car in Ipswich will be moved from Princess Alexandra Hospital’s intensive care unit to a specialised ward.
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Constable Peter McAuley has shown encouraging signs of improvement and is now listed as stable but will require intensive treatment for critical injuries received at Booval last week.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson thanked the community for their support and well wishes for Constable McAuley, his family, friends and colleagues.
"At the moment, the focus of family, friends and colleagues is on Peter and his ongoing treatment, we ask that the media respect their privacy at this very difficult time," they said.
Police told Fairfax Media the 24-year-old officer had been able to communicate with family and could be sat up in bed with the help of medical staff this morning.
Constable McAulay was struck while trying to lay tyre spikes on Brisbane Road to stop an allegedly stolen car on Thursday, September 27.
He suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
A 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl found near the scene were charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
They faced the Queensland Children's Court and were remanded in custody to reappear in November.
The incident sparked fresh debate over police chases and whether police should be given the power to remotely shut down car engines to prevent dangerous pursuits.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Police Minister Mark Ryan on Friday backed a call for vehicle immobilisers to be approved.
On September 27, Queensland Police Union general secretary Mick Barnes said the incident sent shockwaves through the police community.
"This officer was doing his job this morning in the most dangerous of conditions trying to keep our community safe," he said.
Mr Barnes said he called on some of the Queensland Police Service's policies to be reviewed following recent incidents where police were seriously injured.
"There’s been two within a month," he said.
"It’s a trend where offenders know they can drive in a dangerous manner with little consequences of their behaviour."
The most recent prior incident was on September 1, when a police officer was left in a serious condition after he was hit and carried on a stolen car's bonnet for about 30 metres in Brisbane's north.
The Queensland Police Union created a fund for those wishing to make a donation for Constable Peter McAulay, with all proceeds going directly to the officer.
