A 39-year-old policeman attempted to arrest the driver of a stolen Toyota SUV stuck in traffic in Sydney's southwest on Wednesday night.
Approaching the vehicle on Punchbowl Road in Greenacre at 8.40pm, the SUV drove at the officer and pinned him against the police car, according to the authorities.
The quick decision to fire at the driver saved his life, Detective Superintendent Rod Hart told reporters on Thursday.
"He has driven straight at that police officer and I honestly believe if he did not fire his gun he may be critically injured, or worse," Det Supt Hart said.
The officer suffered serious leg damage and was taken to hospital.
About half an hour later, a 32-year-old man police allege was the driver, was seen with gunshot wounds to his right shoulder and wrist.
He was arrested and taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, under police guard and is expected to face court late on Thursday, Det Supt Hart said.
An unrelated incident later that evening where another officer was injured in the line of duty had hallmarks of organised crime, the senior officer said.
Two men dressed in balaclavas fired several shots from a black ute into another car about 11.30pm, Det Supt Hart said.
Both vehicles left the scene before police arrived, but a 26-year-old man arrived at Auburn Hospital about five minutes later with gunshot wounds.
Police found a Mercedes in the hospital car park with a number of bullet holes.
Officers allege when police attempted to speak to a 30-year-old man in the emergency room, he repeatedly punched the 58-year-old chief inspector in the head.
The 30-year-old was charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty and refused bail.
The officer was treated for a laceration to the head.
The 26-year-old remains in a critical condition.
A third incident occurred earlier that day with a police officer taken to hospital after a foot pursuit in Bankstown.
While patrolling a hotel on Wednesday morning, police were speaking to a 33-year-old man when he ran, triggering a chase.
The man and an officer ran onto the road when they were struck by an SUV.
Both were treated at the scene and the 33-year-old was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.
Police later found drugs on the man and arrested him.
The officer involved in the chase was taken to hospital to be checked for leg and head injuries.
"I'm just grateful police officers last night didn't lose their lives," Det Supt Hart said.
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