A Pacific Islander carjacker is on the loose in Melbourne after his attempts to steal a woman’s Mercedes in broad daylight were thwarted by hero bystanders.
Three Good Samaritans stepped in while the man was trying to steal the black sedan after snatching the owner’s bag on Swan Street in the crime-ravaged suburb of Richmond at about 4.50pm on Tuesday.
Video of the incident shows the would-be thief fleeing to a waiting ute while about 15 members of the public attempted to stop him, and Victoria Police said the man was still on the run as of Wednesday morning.
Hero Good Samaritans stop Pacific Islander carjacker who tried to steal a woman’s Mercedes in broad daylight in Richmond, Melbourne.
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Police said the car owner, a woman in her 60s, was uninjured, but one of the men who tried to intervene suffered a non-life threatening injury, and witnesses said he was punched in the face by the carjackers.
“The offender is perceived to be of Pacific Islander appearance, about 180cm tall, aged in his mid to late 20s, with a solid build. He was wearing all black clothing and a beanie,” police said in a statement.
“The offender was last seen fleeing the scene southbound on Cremorne Street in a white Nissan Navara ute with Victorian Registration 1OL9CF.”
One witness told the Herald Sun that the carjacker walked up to the woman and asked her if she needed a hand.
He just went straight for her bag and that’s when she realised … I saw the bigger gentleman grab the woman and another bloke was punched in the face,’ he said.
“Everyone just jumped into action. About 10 to 15 people were already among it within 30 seconds. It was really good in that aspect. It was quite amazing to see so many people happy to help out. They put themselves on the line.
“Her boot was open and a passer-by saw there was a golf club in there so he grabbed that to threaten him with. I think he did a really good job.”
Header image: Left, right, Good Samaritans stop the carjacking (supplied).
