Dramatic footage captured the moment a 24-year-old man drove through a public park in Melbourne during a wild police chase.
The man was arrested Melbourne’s suburb of Brighton this morning following a pursuit that spanned multiple suburban areas.
The chase began on Queens Road in St Kilda and concluded at North Road in Brighton, approximately 9km to the north, at 7:45am on Thursday.
Reports have suggested the man allegedly attempted to use his vehicle to harm pedestrians, prompting the pursuit, though this remains unconfirmed.
Victoria Police confirmed the arrest shortly after 9am.
“Officers attempted to intercept the Holden. The vehicle took off, driving erratically on footpaths and into oncoming traffic,” a statement from Victoria Police explained.
“Police followed the Holden and used a police vehicle to stop the Holden from travelling further, near the intersection of North Road and New Street, Brighton.”
Police confirmed two police vehicles and a civilian vehicle were damaged during the chase, though witness reports suggest there could be more damage.
Channel 7 presenter Jacqueline Felgate shared footage to social media as the white ute sped through Fawkner Park in South Yarra.
It is seen briefly driving on the lawn before taking to a bitumen footpath with a police car in pursuit.
Shocked commenters on the footage lamented the rising level of crime in the area.
“Melbourne is literally turning into Detroit!” one person said.
“My 2 year old daughter and I narrowly escaped him in Brighton - we were crossing the road 20 seconds before he came speeding past,” added another.
Callers told 3AW the speeding vehicle allegedly hit multiple parked cars.
“From what I can see, he might have hit a few cars as he come through,” a caller said. Another told Ross and Russ there were a large number of police cars “flying” to catch the alleged driver.
9 News reported from the scene that there was a “huge number of officers” attending to the area where the chase ended.
Vision showed a white ute, believed to have been driven by the man, and a parked sedan, both with significant damage.
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New Street remains totally closed between North Road and Martin Street as authorities investigate.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
More to come …
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