Police are searching for a 33-year-old woman suspected of fatally running over a cop in a stolen car, while her passenger has been charged with murder.
Senior Constable David Masters, 53, died on the scene when he was hit by a white Hyundai Kona SUV while trying to deploy a tyre-deflating device on the Bruce Highway, near Deception Bay north of Brisbane, at 3am on Saturday.
The vehicle was later set alight and its burnt-out remains discovered 25km away in Moodlu.
Police have released photos of Skye Anne Wallis, 33, who they suspect was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck Senior Constable Masters.
Police are searching for Skye Anne Wallis, 33, (pictured) who they suspect was driving a car that struck a Queensland policeman
Although her exact whereabouts are unknown, police said she has connections with the North Brisbane and Moreton areas.
She is described as 170cm tall, Caucasian, with dyed silver hair and brown eyes.
Police are urging Skye, or anyone with information on her whereabouts, to contact police.
The appeal comes as police arrested a 24-year-old woman at a home in Upper Caboolture, in the Moreton Bay Region, on Sunday.
They allege the woman was a passenger in the car and charged her with murder, arson, and unlawful use of a vehicle.
She was refused bail and will face Caboolture Magistrates Court on Monday.
Senior Constable David Masters, 53, died on the scene when he was hit by a white Hyundai Kona SUV while trying to deploy a tyre-deflating device on the Bruce Highway, near Deception Bay north of Brisbane at 3am on Saturday
Queensland Police Officers are seen comforting each other at the scene where 53-year-old Senior Constable David Masters was killed on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary in Brisbane, Saturday
The woman was arrested after police surrounded a home in Moodlu, near where the burned-out car was found.
Queensland Commissioner Katarina Carroll delivered an ominous message to the runaway driver, who allegedly fled the scene.
‘Our message is you come to us, because we will be coming to you very shortly,’ Commissioner Carroll said.
‘It is with a very heavy heart we confirm the loss of a senior constable who was working hard to protect his community.
‘My sincerest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.’
‘My sincerest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,’ Queensland Commissioner Katarina Carroll said following the incident (pictured, Mr Masters)
Senior Constable Masters (pictured) was a well loved member of the police force having joined in 2011
A woman is seen leaving flowers outside the Deception Bay Police Station following the tragedy
Police are appealing for witnesses – especially anyone with dashcam footage – to the incident.
The registration of the vehicle involved is 803ZLA.
Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit and Ethical Standards Command immediately began investigating the horrific incident.
‘This is devastating news for our police family and we are offering support to all officers and staff,’ Commissioner Carroll said.
‘Sadly, this incident demonstrates the dangers our officers face when working to keep our community safe each and every day.
Masters (pictured) had been trying to pull the car over around 3am on Saturday on the Bruce Highway, near Deception Bay north of Brisbane
One man delivers flowers to the police station in honour of Mr Masters who died on Saturday morning
A police officer is hugged by friends outside the Deception Bay Police Station on Saturday
‘I spoke to his colleagues and spent some time with them at Deception Bay and they had nothing but wonderful words for Dave – hard-working, capable, a beacon at the station, much loved by everyone at the station and across the community.’
The incident closed the Bruce Highway for close to eight hours on Saturday morning.
Mr Masters leaves behind his wife Sharon and their son Jack, and had joined the force in 2011.
Queensland Police Union General Secretary Mick Barnes struggled to fight off tears as he spoke about his friend.
‘It’s one thing to turn up to these scenes in the hours of darkness but when you realise that it’s one of your friends — David lived for the job and he was dedicated and loved the outdoors, loved these horses — hence he was in the mounted unit,’ he said.
Investigations are continuing.
Officers were seen comforting each other at the scene of this morning’s fatal incident on the Bruce Highway where Senior Constable David Masters was struck and killed by a driver who remains on the run
The police cap of 53-year-old Senior Constable David Masters is seen next to an evidence marker beside the Bruce Highway