AN off-duty police officer has been left with serious facial injuries after trying to stop a man accused of stealing four bottles from a Werribee Plaza liquor store.
Detective Sergeant Dennis Williams said the officer was injured after he chased the man,
who was seen running from the shopping centre with a sales assistant following him. The man is alleged to have hit the police officer in the face with the bottles before escaping.
Police have since arrested and charged a Werribee man, 20, of intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, assaulting a person in order to prevent lawful apprehension, assault
of a member of the police force in the execution on duty and theft. He appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 20 and was bailed to appear in court on June 1.
Investigations are continuing and police are keen to speak with witnesses. Information to 97429439 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
