A former Miss Universe Australia finalist has described the horrifying moment she and her elderly father were caught up in a violent daylight carjacking attempt outside their Melbourne home.
A Terrifying Daylight Confrontation
Elizabeth Kalash sprang into action this past Monday when her 60-year-old father, Amir, was confronted and attacked by would-be thieves outside their Coburg residence. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the 2024 pageant finalist rushing to protect her father as he tried to prevent a man and woman from stealing her Hyundai, parked at the front of the property.
A stolen silver Lexus, with the registration 'SAMWAN', pulled up and ran over Mr Kalash's foot as the assailants exited the vehicle. Footage shows the beauty studio owner screaming in defence of her father, clinging to the bonnet of the Lexus. "Hey, what the f*** are you doing c***," she was heard yelling.
Violent Assault and a Father's Ordeal
Mr Kalash was then assaulted, causing him to fall backwards onto the kerb before the trio fled the scene in the Lexus, empty-handed. The attack left Amir Kalash with a fractured foot, requiring a night in hospital. The ordeal was particularly harrowing for the family, as Amir fled war-torn Iraq for a better life in Australia three decades ago.
"It was heartbreaking," Elizabeth Kalash told 9News. "I saw my father obviously get pushed, shoved, assaulted, thrown to the ground, and obviously tried to defend him, which anyone would do." She stated she had no regrets about confronting the thieves, having recently taken self-defence lessons as Melbourne begins to feel less safe.
Suspects on the Run and Community Concern
In a chilling twist, the trio returned to the scene shortly after the attack to retrieve items they had left behind. "That was a little bit confronting as well because I didn't know if they were coming back with something, or to do something," Ms Kalash admitted.
Victoria Police have described the incident as a "brazen and opportunistic attack." Detective Senior Constable Patrick Perera said, "It's pretty unnerving, it's pretty confronting and it has significant impacts on victims." The three suspects remain on the run.
Police have released images of two men and a woman, all believed to be aged between 35 and 40, who they think can assist with inquiries:
- The first man is described as Middle Eastern, 180cm tall, unshaven, and was wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, a black 'Nina Pasadena' hoodie, blue work pants with reflective strips, and brown work boots.
- The second man is described as Aboriginal, 175cm tall, unshaven, wearing a black hat with a white motif, a brown AC/DC t-shirt, dark pants and shoes.
- The woman is described as Aboriginal, 155cm tall, wearing a black beanie, a white T-shirt, and a dark maroon hoodie.
Elizabeth Kalash's comments reflect a growing anxiety for some residents: "What has Melbourne come to? What was once the most safest state has now become a place where we're too scared to even sleep in our own homes." Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
