Terrified witnesses filmed the moment an alleged rampage that left four police officers in hospital came to an end on Queensland’s M1
Video obtained by 9NEWS shows Vito Virzi being tackled to the ground by police on the highway at Gaven, on the Gold Coast.
The father-of-five allegedly had sped southbound on the M1 from Ormeau at speeds of up to 200km/h, forcing other vehicles off the road.
“We were terrified, especially because when he came past us he was centimetres from our car (and) travelling that fast,” witness Emily Barr said.
His vehicle came to a stop at Gaven after running out of petrol.
Officers used pepper spray and deployed a taser in an attempt to control Mr Virzi.
Four police officers suffered cuts and bruises during the arrest and had to undergo disease testing after being spattered with Mr Virzi’s blood.
Police allege Mr Virzi had consumed the drug “fantasy” before the incident unfolded.
The 35-year-old remains in the Gold Coast University Hospital, under police guard and in an induced coma.
Mr Virzi will appear at the Southport Courthouse when he is discharged from hospital.
He faces six charges, three of which are for seriously assaulting police officers.