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A 23-year-old man who allegedly ran over and killed a Western Australian police officer will be charged with murder.
Constable Anthony Woods succumbed to his injuries in hospital after his "shattered" family made the decision to turn off his life support.
While paying tribute this morning, WA Police Union President Paul Gale commended Woods for his "courage and commitment" to the job.
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Woods suffered fatal injuries when he and his partner tried to arrest the occupants of an allegedly stolen car on Thursday in the Perth suburb of Ascot.
Reagan Ainsley Chown allegedly ran down Woods, reversed over him and dragged the officer up to 20 metres, eventually pinning him under the car.
"His partners and other officers on the scene did everything they could, giving him CPR before the ambulance arrived," Gale said.
"Anthony fought to stay alive for the next three days but given the extent of his horrific injuries, his wife and family made the decision to turn his life support off.
"This was a decision no family should make."
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Flags will fly at half-mast at police stations across WA today.
"This senseless act and tragedy is being felt by the police and first responders far beyond. Our hearts go out to his wife, family, friends and colleagues," Gale said.
"Anthony exemplified the courage and commitment to be the best police officer he could. This was a life that was taken away too soon.
"I have been inundated with calls and it's being felt by everybody and we are a blue family and it affects everybody far and wide."
Chown was initially charged with an act to prevent arrest that caused grievous bodily harm, stealing a motor vehicle and drug offences.
He is remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
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Woods' family said they had been devastated by his loss.
"Our pain at this time is indescribable," the family said in an emotional statement.
"We are shattered to lose our dear Anthony.
"He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother, and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.
"Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates."
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch hailed Woods as "a brave and dedicated" officer, who had served three years in the force.
"Everyone is hurting," he said.
"We'll put our arms around his family, as we do, and our policing colleagues who are hurting so much, and show them our love and support.
"You did your duty, mate."
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Two other people in the car, a 20-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man, were released pending further investigation.
Woods' colleagues had to use a car jack borrowed from a nearby resident to lift the car off him.
Suffering chest injuries, he was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.
Woods is the 88th Western Australian police officer to die in the line of duty.
"Our last officer died in 2007, it's been 16 years, which is too soon and shouldn't have happened," Gale said.
A full police funeral will be offered to Woods' family.
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