Friends of a teenager who was struck by a police car in Geelong have spoken of their shock as an internal investigation into the incident gets underway.
Jax, 15, was with two friends when a marked police car collided with his e-bike, sending him tumbling to the ground in a kindergarten carpark near Waverley Rd in Lara about 5.15pm on Wednesday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Police officer investigated after ramming teen on e-bike
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His friend, Caleb Davis, told 7NEWS Jax was stationary at the time and the group had no idea police wanted to speak to them.
“They didn’t put their lights or sirens on or make it clear they wanted to speak to us at all, Caleb said.
A police car has been filmed colliding with an e-bike. Credit: Supplied
He said Jax became trapped underneath the police car following the collision.
“The car went straight over him and at the last second the car turned so it got just the bottom of his legs,” Caleb said.
“He was sort of stuck underneath the bumper because his leg was trapped underneath his bike.
“They just smashed straight into the back of him. We were all sort of in shock at first seeing it happen.”
Caleb said an officer then grabbed Jax by his shirt and pulled him to his feet as he struggled to get up, before walking him over to the curb.
Jax’s friend Caleb Davis said the group had no idea police wanted to speak to them. Credit: 7NEWS
7NEWS understands Jax suffered a soft tissue injury to his leg and was taken to hospital.
He has since been discharged but is expected to take two weeks off school to recover.
“He was in tears, hysterical. It’s like a bit overkill for an e-bike I reckon,” a friend told 7NEWS.
Victoria Police confirmed the incident took place but provided a different account of the events leading up to it.
“Police observed a group of three youths on e-bikes riding erratically, putting themselves and other members of the public in danger,” police said in a statement.
Police said the group failed to stop for officers and rode into the nearby carpark, where the collision occurred.
Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command launched an investigation on Thursday following a review of the incident.
The footage has sparked outrage online, with some social media users condemning the actions of police.
Police confirmed the incident took place in a kindergarten carpark. Credit: TikTok
“My daughters were there n see it they are traumatised f****** no excuse ever to hurt a child there meant to keep our children safe,” one person wrote.
“Like wtf. What even caused this?? Or how did they even try and justify doing this?? I’m actually disgusted.. My stomach is churning!! Hoping that boy is okay and any other child/person who may have seen this happen,” another wrote.
“Look at this poor kid’s head bounce!” a third said.
High powered e-bikes are illegal in Victoria and the boys admit they have had interactions with police before.
Jax has a social media account full of e-bike adventures. One post proclaims: “When a cop starts chasing me but I’d rather die than let them take my bike”.
Anyone with information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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