September 24, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A dramatic crash on Melbourne’s Tullamarine Freeway on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, saw police dog Rocco thrown from an unmarked patrol car after being hit by a Mercedes driven by an unlicensed teenager. The high-speed impact caused the police vehicle to become airborne and flip over a barrier, with a police officer at the wheel and Rocco, a five-year-old German shepherd, in the back. Both miraculously survived with minor injuries.

“That they’ve both got out of the vehicle relatively unscathed is nothing more than a miracle to be quite honest.” — Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Boysen

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
  • Location: Tullamarine Freeway, Melbourne’s north, Victoria

Vehicles Involved

  • Unmarked police patrol car, driven by a serving officer, with police dog Rocco in the back.
  • High-powered Mercedes, allegedly driven by a 19-year-old unlicensed male with a 21-year-old female passenger.

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • No fatalities reported.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 21-year-old female Mercedes passenger, sustained injuries (extent not detailed).
  • Other Injuries:
    • Police officer driver, minor injuries but prioritised Rocco’s welfare.
    • Rocco, five-year-old German shepherd police dog, thrown onto freeway but survived and is recovering.
    • 19-year-old unlicensed Mercedes driver, not seriously injured but under investigation.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended the scene after the crash sent the patrol vehicle airborne over a barrier.
  • A passerby secured Rocco after he was thrown from the wreck and onto the freeway.
  • Both the officer and Rocco were treated, with Rocco later cleared by a vet and discharged.
  • The Mercedes driver and his passenger were also treated, with charges expected to follow for dangerous driving.

“Massive force has taken place here, yeah. It’s literally opened the back of the car up like a can opener.” — Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Boysen

Police Investigation
Victoria Police are examining:

  • The role of the 19-year-old unlicensed Mercedes driver in causing the collision.
  • Contributing factors such as speed and reckless driving behaviour.
  • Crash scene evidence to determine liability and charges.

Community Impact
The incident has drawn strong public attention due to the survival of police dog Rocco, who was scheduled to assist in the search for an accused killer before celebrating the K9 unit’s 50th anniversary. His recovery has been described as a “miracle,” while the crash highlights the risks police face on freeways and the dangers of unlicensed high-performance drivers.

Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers VIC: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppersvic.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Victoria Police directly or at the nearest station.