A Porsche driver accused of fleeing a Melbourne crash that killed four police officers allegedly verbally abused one of the victims as she lay dying for ruining his car.
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Fitzroy mortgage broker Richard Pusey, 41, allegedly ran from the scene of Wednesday's Eastern Freeway crash, but not before telling Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor "amazing, absolutely amazing" as she lay dying.
"All I wanted was to go home and have my sushi and now you've "f***ed my f***ing car," Pusey allegedly said as Sen Const Taylor continued to groan,
Pusey faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday on nine charges, including speeding, reckless conduct and drug possession.
He was pulled over for allegedly speeding at 149km/h and tested positive to cannabis and ice.
LSC Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney lost their lives as they were dealing with the Porsche driver.
A refrigerated truck veered to the left and hit them at 100km/h as they stood in the emergency lane, while Pusey was urinating on the side of the road.
Pusey allegedly fled the scene on foot and was arrested on Thursday morning.
The truck driver had a medical episode afterwards and has been under police guard at hospital ever since Wednesday night's crash at Kew.
Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told reporters on Friday Mohinder Singh's medical condition was being reassessed and he was hopeful he could be interviewed later in the day.
LSC Taylor, 60, had been with the force for 31 years and joined the road policing drug and alcohol section in 2011, while both Constables Humphris and Prestney had only recently graduated from the academy.
Survived by her husband and two sons, LSC Taylor was recently the primary carer for her sister who'd experienced a stroke, with the officers "caring nature" also extending to her colleagues.
Even at 50, Sen Const King was relatively new to the force, joining six years ago and working at several Melbourne stations before transferring to the Nunawading Highway Patrol in 2018.
Const Humphris joined the force after working as an apprentice carpenter and personal trainer in Newcastle, while Const Prestney, 28, graduated from the academy in December, with his brother - a fellow officer - presenting him with his badge.
Mr Ashton said the Victoria Police community were feeling the loss of it's members heavily, and the support shown by the public was appreciated.
"It's heartening for police, it buoys them to know they are so well supported," he told reporters on Friday.
Police minister Lisa Neville said it was comforting to know they were so supported by the community.
Flags flew at half mast on Thursday while buildings across the state lit up blue out of respect for the fallen officers.
"Seeing the city last night ... buildings across Victoria bathed in blue was a huge comfort to me and police and families grieving at the moment," Ms Neville said.
Pusey did not apply for bail and is due back in court in July.
Australian Associated Press
