Police officer high fives dog walker who tackled suspect to ground

A man walking his dog in thongs is being hailed a “legend” for tackling a suspect fleeing from police.

Queensland Police have shared video of a dramatic Gold Coast arrest where a man running from officers was brought to a sudden halt by the passer-by.

Police were patrolling the Mermaid Waters area, on the Gold Coast, about 8.30am (local time) on Thursday when they spotted a stolen Toyota Hilux utility parked on Lakeview Boulevard.

Officers tried to stop the ute but the Hilux rammed into a police car and reversed into another.

The Hilux was able to get away, but not before police deployed a tyre deflation device.

The ute was able to travel a short distance down Dunlop Court before the driver then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, police say.

The man was then apprehended by a “Good Samaritan”.

“A member of the public walking his dog across a nearby bridge saw the man running and was able to stop him until police arrived,” Queensland Police said.

Police shared footage of the dramatic arrest, which shows the dog walker making his way across a bridge before tackling the suspect to the ground.

While the dog walker takes down the suspect and pins him to the ground, his canine appears calm and happy and is seen wagging its tail.

A police officer is then seen handcuffing the suspect as the dog walker and his pet are seen walking off.

Another officer comes rushing in to assist his colleague, but not before high-fiving the dog walker as they pass each other.

2GB radio host Ben Fordham shared the footage on Twitter, saying it was the “best head high tackle” he had ever seen.

“If it happened in @NRL you’d cop 6 weeks but this is brilliant,” Fordham tweeted, adding the Brisbane Broncos should sign the dog walker.

“What a legend,” one person said in response to the video.

“In thongs no less! Love the sneaky high five from the back up copper coming through to help out,” a second person noted.

“Reckon @QldPolice need to shout him a new pair of Havaianas [thongs] after that blowout.”

Queensland Police said they were now trying to locate the “Good Samaritan” so he can be “commended for his actions”.

Police have charged a 40-year-old driver with dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving a motor vehicle without a licence, offences involving registration certificates, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of utensils.

A 16-year-old girl who was in the Hilux was also taken into custody. The 40-year-old man will front court on Friday.

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