Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Alex Crowe

Forensic investigation under way after alleged attempted murder of ACT police

Forensic investigators on Lady Denman drive investigating the alleged attempted murder of police officers on July 11. Picture: Karleen Minney

A forensic investigation was under way on Thursday into the alleged attempted murder of three police officers.

Lady Denman Drive and surrounding roads outside the National Arboretum were closed at about midday while forensic specialists collected evidence for the upcoming trial of Thomas Matthews.

Mr Matthews was alleged to have deliberately driven a green Ford Sedan into the officers while they conducted a routine traffic operation on July 11.

Lady Denman Drive and surrounding roads outside the National Arboretum were closed at about midday on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

The 30-year-old Hawker man was on bail when he was alleged to have swerved into two junior police officers and their supervising senior constable.

The driver of a Toyota Aurion, which had been pulled over as part of the routine stop, came to the aid of the officers who were seriously injured in the incident.

Each of the officers were taken to Canberra Hospital, one with a broken leg, one with a back injury and another with a shoulder injury.

ACT Policing collected evidence for the upcoming trial of Thomas Matthews. Picture: Supplied

Three specialist investigators conducted scans of the area in order to create a three-dimensional computer reconstruction.

The off-ramp leading to Lady Denman Drive from both the north and southbound lanes of the Tuggeranong Parkway was closed for around two hours while investigators photographed the scene.

Mr Matthews has been charged with three counts each of attempted murder and driving at police officers with intent to risk their safety.

He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.