A seemingly routine errand turned into a dramatic scene on Swan Street in Richmond when a woman in her 60s parked her Mercedes sedan outside a bike repair shop around 4:50 p.m. on August 19. The peaceful afternoon quickly shifted into chaos as an unexpected series of events unfolded.

According to witnesses, what began as a friendly offer to assist the woman with her bike service soon turned into a cunning theft. The alleged offender, initially appearing helpful, seized an opportunity to steal the woman’s car keys, locking himself inside the luxury vehicle.

In the face of this brazen act, a group of quick-thinking bystanders sprang into action. Armed with a golf club found in the open trunk of the car, they attempted to coax the man out, even threatening to break the car window if necessary. “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,” recounted witness Keir Willcox, who observed the tense standoff.

Adding to the community’s swift response, a passing driver strategically maneuvered their vehicle to box in the stolen Mercedes, effectively trapping the carjacker and preventing any chance of escape. This collective effort by local Good Samaritans successfully thwarted the would-be thief, turning potential disaster into a testament to community solidarity.

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. 

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.