Police open fire at car during traffic stop

Police have shot at a car driven by a 17-year-old boy who allegedly drove towards officers during a traffic stop in Collie last night.

A police officer is in hospital with minor injuries and South West police are investigating the shooting.

Police alleged officers from South West Traffic stopped the boy who was driving a Mitsubishi Triton on Ferguson Street, Allanson last night.

“It will be alleged that the Triton was parked to the front of the police vehicle when one of the officers exited their vehicle and approached the Triton to speak to the driver,” police said in a statement.

“At this stage it will be alleged that the driver reversed and then drove forward towards the officer causing him to take evasive action by jumping onto the offending vehicle.

“At this stage it is alleged that the Triton utility also came into contact with the stationary police vehicle.

“The driver again reversed causing the officer to fall, injuring his back. He then drove forward towards the officers.

“The second officer, fearing for the safety of his colleague, discharged his firearm at a tyre of the Triton.”

The officers got into their vehicle and followed the car before it stopped and the driver was arrested.

The boy has been charged with reckless driving, no authority to drive and acts likely to endanger life, health or safety to any person.

The WA Police Union released a statement describing the incident as "dangerous".

"The incident in Allanson last night shows just how dynamic and dangerous policing can be," union president George Tilbury said.

"The officers were simply conducting a routine traffic stop, then had to take evasive action to preserve their lives.

"WAPU fully supports these officers and wishes the injured first class constable a speedy recovery."

The accused will appear in the Collie Magistrate’s Court on January 20.