Bungling crook flees into Melbourne police station

A BUNGLING suspected car thief has picked the wrong spot to make a getaway, with officers arresting him as he fled straight past the Melbourne headquarters of Victoria Police. SEE THE PICTURES

A man is taken into police custody after a police pursuit in the city. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

IN A CASE of worst possible timing and location an alleged car thief fled the scene of a crash and ran straight toward police unveiling their new arsenal of crowd control weapons.

The 24-year-old man was arrested in Siddeley St in the Docklands at noon, the same time Victoria Police were holding a media conference about a block away.

The media event was for police to showcase their latest riot control equipment, including a semiautomatic pepper ball rifle and specialist vehicles.

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Police arrest the man. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The bungling suspect’s escape plan was foiled as he ran straight into the Victoria Police Centre. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Police search through the man’s possessions. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Police take a picture of the man. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The man is led away by police. Picture: Jake Nowakowski. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

It’s alleged the 24-year-old had been driving a stolen Pajero, which he crashed into bollards and another vehicle on Lorimer St, under the West Gate Freeway on ramp.

The man abandoned the smashed car and fled on foot, past DFO South Wharf and toward the media conference being held outside the Victoria Police Centre.

Transit officers caught the man and he has been placed in custody, awaiting charges.