By Tate Papworth
A man was shot by police following a car chase after he drove an allegedly stolen tow truck across Melbourne before crashing in Sunshine yesterday afternoon.
The vehicle was first observed by police on Grange Road in South Morang about 4pm.
It was followed to The Lakes Boulevard area where it was seen going through red lights and driving erratically.
It was pursued into Wright Street in Sunshine about 5pm when it crashed into a tree.
Special Operations Group and the Critical Incident Response Team swooped on the vehicle and the male driver was shot by police during the arrest.
He was transported to hospital with upper body injuries in a serious condition. The investigation is ongoing.
No one else was injured during the incident.
Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command will oversee the investigation.
Marcus Wong took to Facebook after hearing the shots ring out and described the scene.
“I heard sirens followed by three gunshots about 20 minutes ago – now the corner of Wright Street and Hampshire Road is closed off and flooded with cops, in both marked and unmarked cars,” he said.
Another witness, Michelle Hayes, said police were everywhere.
“I passed about 10 marked and unmarked cars on south road near the shopping centre on my way home this evening they all had lights and sirens and we loaded with police.”
The truck was reported stolen by its owner Josh after it went missing on Friday.
He posted on Facebook over the weekend appealing for sightings.
Loise Cuffe was driving home from work when it all unfolded in front of her.
“It all happened so quickly, it was like something out of a movie,” she said.
“I was driving and saw the tow truck coming towards us, but on the other side of the road.
“Then the police pulled out in front of him, he’s ended up ramming them and as he’s tried to get around them he’s hit a tree. That’s when all these police ran over and one started firing into the passenger side. They also let off a smoke bomb of some description.”
“We actually thought the guy was dead because he wasn’t moving.”
