Share and Follow
In a dramatic scene on Melbourne’s Auburn Road, bystanders intervened to subdue a shirtless driver who allegedly wreaked havoc during rush hour. The incident, which unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, saw the driver of an erratically moving Jeep crash into multiple vehicles in the Hawthorn area.
The chaotic sequence began when the out-of-control Jeep veered into oncoming traffic, resulting in collisions with four other cars. The crashes left the Jeep severely damaged, bringing the vehicle to a standstill amidst the peak-hour gridlock.
With his escape route cut off, the driver reportedly attempted to commandeer other vehicles in a bid to flee. According to police, his desperation escalated to aggression as he allegedly assaulted a man while trying to snatch his car keys. Not stopping there, he is also accused of making an attempt to force a woman out of her car.
However, his alleged rampage was halted by quick-thinking motorists who wrestled him to the ground, preventing further chaos until authorities arrived. The incident highlights the community’s courage and the dangers posed by reckless driving on busy city roads.
Police allege he assaulted one man and tried to steal his car keys before trying to pull a woman out of her car.
“When I saw him reach into this poor lady’s car, I was like, well someone’s gotta stop him,” witness George Allen said.
“He was obviously trying to grab her keys or open her door. I could hear him yelling abuse at her, and her yelling something back.”
The man was restrained by the people he allegedly tried to carjack, until police arrived a short time later.
“They came over and got into a slight fist fight and then pinned him down and held him until the police came.
“One of the tradies who was obviously in a ute grabbed a rope and tied him up.”
The 50-year-old man from Capel Sound on the Mornington Peninsula was taken to hospital under police guard.
He has since been charged with a string of offences including attempted carjacking, attempted robbery and reckless conduct endangering life.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in court next week.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.