Bruce Hwy car chase suspect in critical condition

THE man suspected of involvement in a wild police chase along the Bruce Highway after an alleged crime spree yesterday is in a critical condition under police guard.

Dylan Matthew Hammond, 25, was rushed to hospital after he was shot by specialist police and run over by a passing caravan when the police chase reached a dramatic end on the Bruce Highway at Parklands, north of Nambour.

The Hervey Bay man's alleged crime spree began in the Wide Bay area about 6.30am on Wednesday and ended in front of hundreds of onlookers about 10am.

Police have alleged Mr Hammond stole a Holden Colorado ute at knifepoint from a home at Hervey Bay before dumping it and allegedly attempting to steal another car from a woman at Tinana.

The police chased a car from north of Gympie and dozens of police apprehended a man near Parklands, just north of Nambour on the Bruce Highway. Traffic was stopped in both directions for several hours. — The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours. John McCutcheon

According to police, the woman refused and was stabbed in her hand in a struggle. Mr Hammond then allegedly fired shots at the woman before fleeing the scene.

It's further alleged Mr Hammond went into another home at Tinana and stole a white sedan, which was driven at speed towards the Sunshine Coast before it was intercepted by police.

Officers from the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) shot Mr Hammond in the hip during a confrontation and, as he laid bleeding on the ground, he was run over by a passing caravan.

Mr Hammond underwent surgery at Sunshine Coast University Hospital overnight and his condition has worsened, a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said.

He is in a critical condition in an induced coma, with a serious leg injury, and remains under police guard.

The Daily understands a bedside hearing is due to take place so police can lay formal charges.