An injured WA Police detective has opened up for the first time on his road to recovery after allegedly being run down by a wanted man in Perth’s east.
Greg McDougall spent a month in hospital after being allegedly mowed down during a police operation in Belmont in September, which left the veteran of 17 years with 16 broken ribs, a broken arm and a fractured foot.
Today, he was one of many officers and loved ones taking part in a charity walk honouring the life of their colleague Anthony Woods, who lost his life in the line of duty.
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Constable Woods died last year when he was allegedly run over during an arrest in Ascot.
It’s something that hits especially close to home for Detective Senior Constable McDougall.
“What happened to him of course could have easily happened to me and that’s why my family have come today, to pay our respects,” he told 9News.
First responders rushed McDougall, 46, to hospital in a critical condition after he was allegedly struck and dragged by the Toyota Hilux.
Despite having pins, plates and nerve damage in his left arm and numbness in his right leg, the detective was happy to take part in the three kilometre walk to honour the 28-year-old.
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“I’m here and I’m grateful for it and hopefully I’ll get through it,” McDougall said.
“Just want to pay respect to the 89 officers that have been killed in the line of duty and the 88 prior to Anthony. Today is all about the Woods family.”
The 46-year-old aims to return to work in April.
More than 100 people turned out at Chidlow’s Lake Leschenaultia to support the inaugural Woodsy’s Walk to Remember.
“We never forget our fallen officers but these events are extra special certainly for Anthony,” Police Commissioner Col Blanch said.
The Woods family hopes Woodsy’s Walk can become an annual event to remember Anthony, while raising funds for a good cause.
All money raised goes to Police Legacy, which helps support families of fallen officers.