Share and Follow
A dramatic scene unfolded late on the night of December 22 in Pakenham, as concerned witnesses encountered a distressing situation involving a grey Toyota Yaris. As they drove along McGregor Street, they heard a man’s desperate cries for help coming from the vehicle, which prompted them to take immediate action.
The witnesses decided to follow the Yaris, recording the unfolding events. The pursuit led them to Homestead Road in Berwick, where the car finally decelerated enough for the man in distress to make a daring escape attempt. He leaped from the vehicle and tried to flee, but the ordeal was far from over.
In a shocking turn of events, the Yaris came to a halt, and three individuals emerged, chasing down the man. They caught up with him and launched a brutal attack before swiftly retreating back to their vehicle and speeding away.
Demonstrating great bravery, the witnesses intervened by assisting the injured man. They transported him to a nearby carpark and stayed with him until emergency services arrived. Their quick thinking ensured he received the help he desperately needed.
Ambulance Victoria responded promptly, with advanced life support paramedics attending to the 23-year-old victim. He was treated on the scene for injuries sustained to his upper body, highlighting the seriousness of the assault.
He was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Detective Sergeant Glen McGowan congratulated the witnesses on keeping track of the car and on providing Triple Zero with updates.
He said police had spoken to the victim since, but he had declined to provide police with a formal statement.
Police understand the men are known to each other, and McGowan said the victim was known to poice.
McGowan said the victim got into the car with four other people willingly, before a dispute took place which led to him being attacked in the car.
Police do not yet know the cause of the dispute.
The Yaris was allegedly stolen from the Melbourne CBD on December 15, and between then and Monday night, had been involved in a petrol drive-away theft.