Caller: Police officer hit in EastLink tunnel

UPDATED: Police have confirmed a police officer involved in a hit-run fired his gun during the dramatic incident on EastLink.  

The officer was injured when he was struck by a car near the outbound entrance to the Melba Tunnel about 1.20pm.

Police had directed the car, which was displaying stolen number plates, to pull over during a routine police operation. The driver hit the officer before fleeing the scene.

Police are searching for a dark-coloured Ford Falcon Xr6 with number plates 1EJ6PE that was last seen in Kew East about 1.46pm.

The officer’s injuries are not serious and he was taken to hospital.

Outbound lanes have re-opened on EastLink however inbound lanes between Canterbury and Springvale roads remain shut.

Jean-Pierre called 3AW Afternoons after the dramatic incident unfolded around him.

Click play below to hear Jean-Pierre’s dramatic call

‘As they passed my vehicle they tried to apprehend this gentleman,’ Jean-Pierre said.

‘The gentleman swerved out behind my car, hit one of the officers and did a runaway.

‘I got out of my car just to make sure the officer was OK.

‘I think (the police officer) has probably got a severe injury on his knee because he couldn’t really walk on it.

‘But other than that he’s OK.’

Click play to hear Jean-Pierre’s dramatic call