Police hunt man after failed carjacking attempt on busy Melbourne street

Published 1 hour ago
Source: 9news.com.au
Police hunt man after failed carjacking attempt on busy Melbourne street

Police are asking the public to help identify a man who fled the scene of an attempted carjacking on a busy Melbourne street more than four months ago.

A woman, believed to be in her 60s, parked her Mercedes sedan outside a bike repair shop on Swan Street in Richmond about 4.50pm on August 19.

Witnesses say the alleged offender offered to help her drop her bike off for a service, before stealing her keys and locking himself inside the car.

READ MORE: Sydney man charged over alleged conspiracy to commit shooting

A passing driver then boxed the car in to prevent the carjacker from driving off, leading him to jump out of the car and run to a waiting Nissan Navara with registration 1OL9CF.

A group of Good Samaritans rushed to the car to try to stop him by coaxing him out with a golf club.

"There was a golf club in the rear, because the boot was still open, and (they) threatened to break the window to kind of get the offender out," witness Keir Willcox said.

A passing driver then boxed the car in, preventing the carjacker from driving off.

He jumped out of the vehicle and sprinted to a waiting Nissan Navara with registration 1OL9CF.

Bystanders chased after him and tried to tackle him to stop his escape, but the ute took off.

It was last seen driving south down Cremorne Street.

The owner of the Mercedes wasn't harmed in the incident, but one of the Good Samaritans sustained a facial injury after being punched in the face, police believe. 

READ MORE: New warnings for life-threatening flash floods as Queensland smashed by rain

Detectives have released CCTV and images of a man they believe can assist with their enquiries.

Detectives have released CCTV and images of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.

He is perceived to be of Pacific Islander/Māori appearance, aged in his mid to late 20s and about 183cm tall with a solid build.

He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black tracksuit pants, white runners and a beanie.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with CCTV/Dashcam footage, or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Categories

National