A terrifying high-speed rampage through Melbourne's inner suburbs saw motorists forced to dodge a drug-affected driver who allegedly smashed into multiple vehicles while driving on just three wheels. The chaotic incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and one resident devastated to find his newly purchased car completely written off.
Chaotic Scene on Inner-City Streets
About 6.50pm on Tuesday, a grey Ford Ranger was captured roaring past a police car on Highett Street in Richmond, inner-city Melbourne. Police allege the ute then ploughed into multiple vehicles as it careered through the neighbouring suburbs of Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy. At one dramatic point, the Ford Ranger was seen driving on only three wheels with sparks flying from the damaged vehicle.
Motorists Forced to Take Evasive Action
Drivers were forced to swerve out of the mangled ute's path as it veered into oncoming traffic on busy streets during the evening rush. Police briefly gave chase before the Ford eventually crashed on York Street, where the driver allegedly bolted from the wreck on foot. The 49-year-old Oakleigh man, identified as Daniel Keas, was quickly arrested at the scene.
Drugs Found Following Positive Test
Following his arrest, police allege Keas returned a positive drug test and that drugs were found inside the damaged ute. The investigation revealed the extent of the destruction caused during the rampage, with multiple vehicles sustaining significant damage along the route.
Injuries and Property Damage
A 57-year-old woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after she fell while trying to escape the chaos. Meanwhile, residents began counting the cost of the destruction, with one man arriving home to discover his newly purchased car completely written off in the mayhem.
'Saw a car on the street that looked pretty smashed up,' the distressed resident told 7News. 'Looked closer, and it was my car. Pretty upset. I raced home and had a look. (It's) totalled. I've only had it four or five months. My first car and it's just gone.'
Multiple Charges Laid
Daniel Keas now faces a string of serious charges including:
- Dangerous driving while pursued by police
- Reckless conduct endangering serious injury
- Criminal damage
- Drug driving
The accused was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where the full details of the alleged rampage will be presented. The incident has left local residents shaken and authorities investigating how such a dangerous situation unfolded across multiple suburbs during peak evening hours.
