Four Teenagers Arrested After Car Chase and Pedestrian Incident in Melbourne CBD
Four teenagers have been arrested in Melbourne's CBD following a police pursuit that ended with a car being dumped in Bourke Street Mall and a female pedestrian being struck. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, causing disruption and sparking concerns among witnesses.
The Chase and the Incident
The BMW was first sighted on the Eastern Freeway in Doncaster around 12:30 PM. Police pursued the vehicle into the CBD. On Exhibition Street, a woman was struck by the vehicle. She was treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries. The chase concluded at approximately 1:20 PM when the occupants abandoned the car in the busy Bourke Street Mall.
Arrests and Investigation
The four occupants of the vehicle allegedly fled on foot after dumping the car. They were apprehended a short time later on Lonsdale Street. Currently, two 17-year-olds, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old are being interviewed by police. Authorities believe the BMW involved in the incident was stolen from the Boroondara area on Sunday.
Echoes of the Past
Witnesses at the scene described the event as bringing back painful memories of the 2017 Bourke Street tragedy, where James Gargasoulas deliberately drove into pedestrians. One shopper stated, “I saw the vehicle coming down. The first thing that popped into my mind, obviously, was the Gargasoulas and Bourke Street tragedy that happened.” The heightened concern reflects the lasting impact of the previous incident on the city.
Community Reaction and Current Status
Another witness expressed dismay, stating, "All this stuff is just becoming a joke in Melbourne, from being the most liveable city in the world to now this." The area around Bourke Street Mall has since been cleared, and it is no longer considered a crime scene. The investigation into the car theft and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and pedestrian incident remains ongoing with Victoria Police.
