Constable Anthony Woods will be honoured with a police funeral in Perth after he was allegedly run over and killed by a man attempting to avoid arrest.

July 6, 2023

A young West Australian constable killed on duty when he was allegedly run over by a man attempting to avoid arrest will be honoured at a police funeral.

Const Anthony Woods, 28, died from his injuries in a Perth hospital several days after he was placed in an induced coma following the incident on June 8.

He will be farewelled on Thursday at Perth’s Optus Stadium at a private service that will conclude with a Police Honour Guard.

Dignitaries and police officers are expected to join Const Woods’ grieving family to pay their respects.

The public can watch a live stream of proceedings outside the stadium.

Const Woods had just passed his probation with the force before he was killed, having volunteered at the PCYC before joining the police cadets in 2019 and moving into the recruit squad in 2021.

Commissioner Col Blanch has previously read a statement from Const Woods’ wife Emily.

“He was a devoted husband, a loving son, brother and uncle who was taken from this Earth far too soon,” her statement read.

“Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hardworking man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates.

“He brought light and laughter to every situation and his wicked sense of humour is irreplaceable.”

Const Woods’ family was shattered by his death.

“Our pain at this time is indescribable, and we take comfort in the outpouring of love from the community,” it said in a statement.

“We ask that you keep Anthony’s memory alive by telling stories of all of your good times with him.”

Mr Blanch said Const Woods was a brave and dedicated police officer and it was a sad time for the “blue family”.

“You did your duty mate, we will remember,” he said at a press conference to announce his death.

Flags flew at half-mast at police stations across the state soon after and Const Woods was honoured in federal parliament as someone who exemplified the values of the force.

Reagan Ainsley Chown, 23, has been charged with Const Woods’ murder after a vehicle with stolen number plates that he was allegedly driving hit and dragged the young officer underneath it.

He is scheduled to next appear in court on August 30.