In a harrowing incident that underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement, Detective Senior Constable Greg McDougall has declared he feels "100 per cent" fortunate to be alive after being violently run down by a drug-fuelled driver during a routine traffic stop in Perth. The traumatic event occurred in September 2024 in Belmont, when police halted a Toyota HiLux driven by Brenden Green, then 37 years old.
Details of the Attack and Injuries
The court proceedings revealed that Green had approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine in his vehicle and was under the influence of drugs at the time of the stop. As Detective McDougall approached the driver's side window, Green abruptly accelerated, dragging the officer for several metres before he fell and was run over by the vehicle.
This brutal assault resulted in severe injuries for McDougall, including multiple fractured bones and significant damage to his internal organs. He endured more than a month in hospital, followed by an extended period of rehabilitation, and has only recently resumed his normal police duties after what he describes as a catastrophic recovery process.
Emotional Impact and Recovery
Speaking publicly after Green's sentencing on Tuesday, McDougall expressed profound gratitude for his survival, stating, "I know I've been given a second chance. I'll give it all I've got." Despite having no memory of the incident, which was captured on his body-worn camera, he has chosen not to view the footage, citing the emotional toll.
The father-of-three highlighted the ongoing challenges for his family, noting that his children "still don't want me to go to work" due to the trauma of the ordeal. This personal struggle reflects the broader impact on loved ones when officers are injured in the line of duty.
Legal Consequences and Police Response
In the district court, Brenden Green was sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for his actions. His lawyer conveyed that Green is "extremely remorseful" and wishes to apologize for the injuries inflicted on Detective McDougall and the trauma caused to his family. Green will become eligible for parole in 2034, marking a significant legal outcome for the case.
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn commented on the incident, emphasizing that "any time an officer is injured it sends ripples through the force." He added, "We all take stock of the value of life," underscoring the sobering reality faced by police personnel in high-risk situations.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with drug-related crimes and the resilience required by those in law enforcement to overcome such life-threatening encounters.
