Dramatic footage has emerged of a man allegedly carjacking multiple vehicles in Melbourne during peak hour traffic, sparking a police chase through the CBD on Tuesday morning. The incident began around 7.45am in Tarneit, in the city's west, when the suspect, a 48-year-old from Hoppers Crossing, reportedly ran out of petrol while on his way to a police station to make a complaint.
Police allege the man attended a nearby convenience store, took a jerry can, and attempted to get fuel before assaulting the store attendant. He then fled and allegedly carjacked several vehicles in Tarneit and North Melbourne before heading to the CBD. Footage obtained by Wyndham TV shows him ordering a driver out of a car at traffic lights, yelling, 'Get out now, go, go!' He then targeted a second motorist, telling him, 'I'll buy you a new car,' and was heard saying, 'I love you and God bless,' before driving off.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots in the CBD as specialist police moved in. One witness claimed the man pointed a gun at him, while others described him blaring his horn and speeding through busy streets, almost hitting pedestrians. A police helicopter hovered above as the suspect was spotted walking casually down a laneway, smoking a cigarette with a firearm in hand.
Heavily armed officers in camouflage gear confronted the man at a hotel in a lane off Bourke Street. He was arrested shortly before 9am, and a firearm was allegedly seized at the scene. The suspect was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under assessment. He has been taken into custody, but no charges have yet been laid.
