A man was arrested in Caroline Springs over a violent car jacking in Malvern East on Tuesday morning.
The man was hiding in a Maitland Avenue backyard when he was arrested by police, with assistance from the Air Wing.
Earlier that morning he was among a group of three men who assaulted a 40-year-old driver and stole his Mercedes in Melbourne’s inner south east about 3.30am.
Leading Senior Constable Julie-Anne Newman said the victim was driving along Waverly Road towards the Belgrade Road intersection when his car was nudged from behind as he slowed when approaching traffic lights.
“The car was nudged twice more before the motorist got out of his car to see what was going on.
“He was then grabbed by three males who jumped out of a Kia, and was pushed around and dragged to the ground,” Leading Senior Constable Newman said.
“It is believed he was also attacked from behind to the head and leg with a hammer as the group demanded and then rifled through his pockets for his keys.”
The victim took pictures of the offenders as his car was being driven off.
Malvern East: Driver attacked during attempted carjacking. #7News t.co/6oolZoJLBo
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) June 20, 2016
They then demanded he hand over his mobile phone, but he refused and ran off.
Police were able to use the images, which they sent out to police stations across Melbourne with an alert to look out for the vehicle.
About an hour later police were notified that the stolen Mercedes was being driven towards Footscray, along with the Kia and a BMW police believe the three offenders were using as a back-up vehicle.
Leading Senior Constable Newman said the Air Wing and ground crews cordoned off one of the cars in Maitland Avenue.
“Two men ran from the BMW and jumped home fences in an attempt to flee from police,” she said.
Police were able to arrest one of the men, who is now assisting police with their enquiries.
Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit is investigating and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
If you know of anything that may help with their investigation, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
