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Thousands of police officers from across Western Australia have gathered at Optus Stadium ahead of the funeral of young Constable Anthony Woods, who was killed in the line of duty.
The 28-year-old died after he was dragged underneath a car while trying to arrest the driver of an allegedly stolen car in Perth’s east in June.
He was the 88th police officer to die in the line of duty, and his death sparked waves of grief across the state and country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Woods ahead of his funeral on Thursday, saying the young officer was “cruelly robbed of his future”.
“A husband, son, brother and uncle taken from his loved ones. An Australian who went to work and never came home,” Albanese said in a statement.
“Like all police officers, Constable Woods knew the risks his job entailed. Yet, he bravely performed his duties, putting himself in harm’s way, so others could be safe.”
WA Police Constable Anthony Woods.Credit: WA Police
Following the ceremony at Optus Stadium on Thursday, Woods’ coffin will be taken along the Arbour walkway outside the stadium, where police officers and staff will form an honour guard, before his hearse travels to Karrakatta Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.
At the start of the honour guard, officers across the state will observe a minute’s silence, exiting their cars and paying their respects during a live broadcast from the police commissioner.
The last time a person was accused of killing a WA officer was in 2007 when Constable Damien Murphy was run down by a car being driven by Christopher Summers. Summers was later sentenced to eight years’ jail for his manslaughter.
Belmont man Reagan Chown, 23, has been charged with murder, along with car theft and drug offences, after the fatal incident, which came to a head when police tried to pull over a car with allegedly stolen number plates in the early hours of Thursday, June 8.
As officers were attempting to detain him, Chown allegedly reversed the car, dragging Woods underneath for 20 metres and leaving him with injuries that were ultimately fatal.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Woods’ colleagues leapt into action to lift the car and free the trapped officer.
“This is not how we’re supposed to end our shift,” he said.
More to come.
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