A quiet afternoon at a suburban shopping centre turned to chaos when a vehicle careered through its entrance, culminating in a dramatic arrest and serious charges.
Melenaite Cataleva Malu, 33, has been charged following the alarming incident at the Minto Marketplace on Saturday. Shoppers watched in horror as a white Toyota RAV4 smashed into the complex, causing significant damage to the building's facade and interior.
Scene of Panic and Destruction
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Ben Lomond Road after receiving multiple calls around 3:15 pm. The vehicle reportedly crashed through the main entrance before coming to a stop deep inside the mall. The force of the impact shattered glass and damaged property, creating a scene of devastation.
"It was just unbelievable," one witness recounted. "People were screaming and running. You just don't expect something like that to happen when you're out doing your shopping."
Injuries and Arrest
The crash resulted in two people sustaining injuries. A 54-year-old man, understood to be the driver of another vehicle struck in the car park prior to the mall entry, was treated for shock. A 35-year-old woman, a pedestrian inside the centre, suffered minor injuries.
Police and security personnel swiftly apprehended the alleged driver at the scene. New South Wales Police confirmed that Malu was taken to Campbelltown Police Station for questioning.
Court Appearance and Charges
Malu faced Campbelltown Local Court on Sunday, where she was formally charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, entering a building or land with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, and two counts of causing actual bodily harm by misconduct.
The court did not grant bail, and the matter was adjourned. Malu is scheduled to reappear before the same court at a later date.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. A report is being prepared for the coroner, standard procedure for serious incidents of this nature. Forensic officers have been meticulously examining the scene to piece together the exact sequence of events.
The management of Minto Marketplace has been contacted for comment regarding the damage and the centre's reopening plans.
