Dramatic Pursuit Through Melbourne
Four teenage males have been charged by Victoria Police following a high-speed pursuit through Melbourne's eastern suburbs and central business district on Monday, September 29, 2025. The incident involved an allegedly stolen white BMW SUV, which police observed being driven erratically on the Eastern Freeway in Doncaster around 12:30 PM.
Police initiated a pursuit, tracking the vehicle as it entered the CBD. During the chase, the BMW allegedly struck a pedestrian on Exhibition Street. The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital for observation.
Bourke Street Mall Abandonment and Arrests
The pursuit culminated when the allegedly stolen vehicle was abandoned in Bourke Street Mall, a busy pedestrian precinct, shortly after 1:00 PM. The four occupants then fled the scene on foot. Witnesses reported seeing the youths run into nearby shopping centres, including Myer and Emporium.
A short time later, police apprehended all four teenagers outside a shopping centre on Lonsdale Street. The arrested individuals include two 17-year-old boys and two 16-year-old boys, originating from the Bendigo and Yarra Ranges areas.
Charges Laid and Court Appearances
The teenagers have been charged with a range of offences. These include:
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Conduct endangering life
- Driving in a dangerous manner
- Unlicensed driving
- Failure to stop at an accident
- Aggravated home invasion
- Aggravated burglary
- Theft
One of the 17-year-old boys was granted bail to appear in a children's court at a later date. The other three teenagers were remanded to appear in a children's court on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the behaviour, stating, 'This is disgraceful, dangerous behaviour. Victorians won't tolerate it and neither will we.' Victoria Police confirmed that no weapons were involved in the incident.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
The charges are serious and fitting for the crimes committed, yet it's concerning that teenagers are involved in such incidents. We need a system that holds them accountable but also offers a path to rehabilitation, not just punishment.
Fuerza
Bail for a 17-year-old charged with aggravated home invasion? The system is a joke.
Manolo Noriega
Chasing a stolen car through a populated area is just asking for tragedy. The police need better protocols.
Ongania
Catching the offenders quickly is commendable police work, but the fact one was granted bail for such severe charges raises questions about consistency. Balancing justice with the age of the offenders is a complex challenge for the courts.
Fuerza
Premier Allan's condemnation is strong and appropriate for the public's concern. However, we also need to look beyond just condemning and find proactive measures to prevent these types of incidents from happening with young offenders in the first place.