Leongatha crash: Man charged after fiery crash, multiple stolen cars
A CRAZED driver has been charged with 74 offences after allegedly leading police on a dramatic chase through Leongatha following a fiery crash and a rampage of violent carjackings.
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A CRAZED driver has been charged with 74 offences after allegedly leading police on a dramatic chase through Leongatha following a fiery crash and a rampage of violent carjackings.
Victoria Police believe the male driver crashed the first allegedly-stolen car into parked vehicles, causing it to burst into flames on McCartin St in the Gippsland town about 10.35am.
Police believe the initial vehicle was stolen at an address in Warragul.
The 21-year-old managed to escape the fiery wreck before allegedly assaulting a female driver and stealing her car near Young and Bair streets.
Investigators allege offender punched the woman in the back of the head several times before pulling her out of the vehicle.
It’s believed the woman had her children in the car at the time but managed to get her kids out of the vehicle before it was stolen.
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Flames from the initial wreck damaged multiple parked cars in the street outside an aged care centre.
Nearby residents described hearing a loud bang, like “an explosion”.
Traffic was diverted as plumes of smoke billowed from the scene.
Police launched an aerial and road hunt for the man following the incident.
In an attempt to escape, the alleged offender dumped the second stolen car and stole a third vehicle before erratically speeding away in the Hedley area.
It’s understood the man reached speeds of up to 180kmh while attempting to evade police.
The Herald Sun understands the offender was arrested on foot in the Alberton area just before 1pm.
Police said the homeless 21-year-old was charged with a string of crimes including aggravated carjacking, false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, sexual assault, theft of motor vehicle and driving offences.
He was remanded to appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.