Heartwarming update on Perth detective left for dead after alleged hit and run
The family of a senior police officer who was allegedly hit and driven off have revealed how close they came to losing the man during his first night in hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg McDougall, 46, was attempting to approach the driver of a Toyota Hilux during a police operation when he was allegedly struck and dragged by the vehicle in Belmont in Perth’s east last Friday.
The father of three was seriously injured after the driver reportedly ‘took off’ near the intersection of Stanton Road and Epsom Avenue.
He suffered 15 broken ribs, a broken arm and a broken ankle.
His family provided an update on Monday, sharing a photo of Detective McDougall lying in a hospital bed, covered in bandages and tubes, including one to help him breathe.
Despite his battered body looking worse for wear, he managed to flash a brave smile and give the camera a thumbs up.
Chris McDougall said his twin brother had been through “a lot.”
“When we first heard about it, we didn’t think it was that serious until we got to the hospital and he was getting blood transfusions,” he told reporters on Monday.
Detective Greg McDougall, 46, (pictured in hospital) was allegedly struck and dragged by a vehicle he was approaching
The detective’s twin brother Chris said that although it was a “close call” he has grown stronger and is the “Superman” of the family (pictured Greg McDougall)
‘It was tense Friday night… that was our biggest concern.
“After he got through the night and also on Saturday, after they stabilized him, he seemed to be doing better and better when he woke up.”
Chris said his brother is getting stronger and stronger and he gives his family members a thumbs up every time they visit him in the hospital.
The ‘Superman’ family will spend the next 3-6 months in recovery, which will be a ‘tough journey’
But his brother insists that Detective McDougall has the support not only of his family, but also of his “blue family.”
The first thing he asked at the hospital was whether the suspect had been caught.
According to his brother, it was quite an experience for the father of three to hear that the driver had been arrested and charged.
Detective McDougall is described as having a ‘positive attitude’ and is very pleased with the many expressions of support he has received.
He is now looking forward to a family holiday in Bali in December and hopes to return to the police despite the ordeal.
The father of three was treated at the scene (pictured) before being taken to hospital. His injuries included 15 broken ribs, a broken arm and a broken ankle
The detective (pictured) faces months of rehabilitation, but has a ‘positive attitude’ and the support of his family and his ‘blue family’
While brother-in-law Fabian Dawson described Detective McDougall as a “bloody tough guy”, the incident was devastating for everyone in his family, 7 News reported.
Western Australian police searched the Hilux and reportedly found a kilogram of methamphetamine, with a street value of $1 million. The Western Australian reported.
According to police, the driver fled on foot after allegedly driving away in Bellevue and causing an accident, before being caught and arrested.
Brenden Ross Green, 37, of Stoneville, was charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, failure to report an incident, failure to stop and call for help and reckless driving.
Police have since searched properties in Ascot, Woodbridge and Stoneville and claim More drugs were found during the raids.