Car-ramming police officer recommended for prosecution

Perth Now

2 days ago

A former police officer acquitted of the shooting murder of an Indigenous woman has been recommended for prosecution over a separate incident in which he rammed a car during a pursuit.
Western Australia's Corruption and Crime Commission says its investigation found then-senior constable Brent Wyndham repeatedly lied about the May 2024 ramming incident in the regional town of Geraldton and that constituted serious misconduct.
The CCC report, released on Friday, found the police Skoda driven by Mr Wyndham - who has since left the force - had made physical contact with an evading vehicle twice, causing it to hit a light pole.
"The second point of contact caused the evading vehicle to spin and come to a stop," the watchdog said.
"This action is called a Precision Intercept Technique or 'PIT' manoeuvre and is only permitted in exceptional circumstances."
Following the incident, Mr Wyndham and his passenger Constable Alex Miatke made statements that the evading vehicle rammed them and that it presented a danger to children standing in the street.
The commission said its investigation established these statements were false.
"It was in fact the police vehicle that first instigated contact with the evading vehicle and there was no one standing in the street."
This false information was repeated by the officers in their witness statements to support the prosecution of the evading driver for criminal damage to a police vehicle.
"Fortunately in this case the actions of other police officers resulted in the charge of unlawful damage being withdrawn before a wrongful conviction could occur," the report said.
The driver faced other charges, pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced.
The CCC has recommended WA Police consider prosecuting Mr Wyndham and take disciplinary action against Const Miatke.
In September 2019, then-constable Wyndham shot Ngarlawangga Yamatji Martu woman JC in a Geraldton street as she held a knife.
He was charged and found not guilty of murder and manslaughter of the 29-year-old, who had been diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.
Mr Wyndham was later promoted to senior constable before quitting the force in December 2024.
The commission's investigation into the ramming incident highlighted concerns over the management of staff at the Geraldton police station and the conduct of officers when interviewing suspects.
It recommends WA Police conduct a review of its emergency response driving tactics, including the use of PIT manoeuvres.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the force took any findings or opinions of misconduct very seriously and he noted the recommendations of further action against the two officers.
"I will need to fully consider these recommendations before making any further statements," he said in a statement.
"Consideration will also be given to the other concerns raised in the report."
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