Police update: Fire investigation in Whitsundays, QLD

Police have charged a 53-year-old man following an incident in Palm Grove on Wednesday afternoon.

At 3pm, police were called to Conway Road, Palm Grove by a helicopter pilot who had observed a man lighting fires near Cedar Creek Falls.

When police located the man, he allegedly rammed the police car with his vehicle.

Both police officers fired at the man’s car and he was subsequently arrested.

The man was admitted to Proserpine Hospital under Police guard, where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. He has subsequently been released into police custody.

A 40-year-old male Acting Sergeant and a 45-year-old male Constable were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries sustained during the collision. They have since been released.

A 53-year-old Palm Grove man has been charged with setting fire to vegetation,endangering property by fire, dangerous op/adversely affected by intoxicating substance, resisting arrest, possessing dangerous drugs, trespass and obstructing police.

He will appear before the Proserpine Magistrates Court today.

Investigations by the Ethical Standards Command and Whitsunday Criminal Investigation Branch are ongoing, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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