Overview

• Police say a white Mercedes allegedly rear-ended a patrol car about 10:45pm on the Tullamarine Freeway, ejecting Rocco from the vehicle.
• Veterinarians assessed the German shepherd for superficial injuries with scans showing no fractures or internal damage.
• A passer-by covered and protected the dog at the scene before he was transported for treatment, according to the Victoria Police Dog Squad.
• The handler was treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital for observation, the Mercedes passenger was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and the driver was uninjured and remained at the scene.
• The Oak Park man faces charges including dangerous driving, reckless conduct endangering life and serious injury, unlicensed driving, and probationary driver use of a prohibited vehicle, and he has been granted bail.