CBD chaos: POI at large, youths interviewed and released
Police have caught four teens who allegedly fled from a stolen Nissan Pathfinder after it crashed in Geelong's CBD, but the driver remains at large.
Four teens believed to be passengers of a stolen car involved in chaotic CBD scenes that saw multiple cars damaged on Wednesday have been interviewed by police, while the person of interest remains at large.
Police were called to reports of two collisions on Moorabool Street in Geelong about 12.30pm on Wednesday.
It’s understood earlier that day the car had been stolen from Coburg North, before it was involved in a number of incidents including multiple hit-run collisions and reports of erratic driving across Keilor East, Bundoora and Mill Park.
The Nissan Pathfinder was then spotted by police who attempted to intercept it before it allegedly took off at speed on Patullos Road in Lara just after 12pm.
The car was involved in a hit-run collision at the intersection of Ryrie Street, before colliding with another vehicle and coming to a stop at the intersection of Myers Street.
Workers of nearby businesses saw a number of youths scramble away from the vehicle.
One boy was in cuffs in front of a Ryrie St kebab shop, another behind on Little Ryrie St while police searched a bag which included a baseball bat.
Five occupants fled the car, with police able to arrest four alleged passengers by cordoning off the area.
The driver of the Nissan, and primary person of interest, remains outstanding.
The four youths in police custody were each interviewed by detectives in relation to being passengers of the vehicle.
“A 15-year-old girl was released pending further inquiries, while a 13-year-old boy, 13-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy area were each issued cautions,” A Victoria Police spokesman said.
“The investigation into the group’s alleged prior offending has been handed over to police in metropolitan Melbourne and remains ongoing.”
Police are investigating if the vehicle was stolen from a person known to the driver.
CCTV footage of the incident was shared from the electorate office of senator Sarah Henderson.
“This reckless rampage through our city streets was incredibly dangerous and put multiple lives at risk,” she said.
“Geelong police acted quickly.”
Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
william.keech@news.com.au
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Originally published as CBD chaos: POI at large, youths interviewed and released
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