The Wodonga officer was nearly hit by the small white hatch at the breath testing site about midnight Sunday.

The region’s top policeman, Superintendent Paul O'Halloran, said such behaviour could lead to charges of attempted murder.

The vehicle, which had Victorian plates RIJ709, had performed a U-turn after the incident and was last seen travelling on High Street at high speed.

Superintendent O’Halloran said support would be offered to the officer.

“This incident is really pretty shocking, when you think the police officers are out there trying to keep the community safe,” he said.

“It is very concerning to me that we have offenders who are prepared to engage in such high risk offending.” 

The stolen plates are listed to a 2001 black Holden sedan. 

Police are trying to track down the vehicle, the driver and witnesses. 

“Such incidents are rare but not unheard of – I’ve seen it in other areas across the state,” Superintendent O’Halloran said. 

“It seems to me to be a more common occurrence, where offenders in stolen vehicles will behave in such high risk conduct.

“What they don’t realise is it’s one thing to exceed the alcohol limit or have drugs in their system. 

“That’s high risk behaviour, but it’s a whole higher level again when engaging in this sort of behaviour.”  

The incident occurred during a traffic operation.