Alleged serial car thief Christopher Luke accused of smashing into police car

An alleged serial car thief has been accused of crashing into a police car in Burwood East — narrowly missing an officer — during an arrest escape attempt.

Mr Luke allegedly rammed a police car. Picture: Jason Edwards

An alleged serial car thief has been accused of crashing into a police car in Burwood East — narrowly missing an officer — during an attempt to escape arrest.

Christopher Luke, 24, appeared before the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday on

dozens of charges including a series of car thefts, damaging a police car and endangering an officer.

During an incident last year, police arrived at the China Bar carpark in Burwood East at 2.38am to arrest Mr Luke and two others after they received calls about alleged stolen cars in the area.

The incident occurred in the China Bar carpark in Burwood East. Picture: Janine Eastgate

Mr Luke allegedly got into one of the stolen cars and made a fast three-point turn to flee the carpark.

The court heard Mr Luke slammed into a police car as he reversed away, causing significant damage to the car.

A police officer was standing next to the car and allegedly had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.

Mr Luke allegedly managed to escape the area but was later arrested.

Magistrate Jennifer Tregent said she thought Mr Luke made the “deliberate decision” to smash into the police car.

The 24-year-old, who has been released on bail, will next appear before the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Thursday.