Police arrest erratic driver in Melbourne CBD
HEAVILY armed police arrested a man in Melbourne’s CBD after reports he was seen driving erratically through the city and yelling profanities at police.
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POLICE have arrested a man in Melbourne’s CBD after reports he was seen driving erratically through the city and yelling profanities at police.
Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said Police received reports of an erratic driver in the Melbourne CBD about 4.10pm.
“The male driver was observed by police in a black Toyota sedan, driving erratically,” Snr Cst Dean said.
“The vehicle was observed a short time later at the intersection of Wellington Parade and Powlett Street where the vehicle was intercepted without incident.”
A 34 year-old St Albans man was arrested and is currently in police custody.
Witness, Andrew Lowe, said a number of police cars swooped on the car on Wellington Parade and yelled at the man to “stop and get out”.
“It was very full on,” he said.
“A number of police blocked his car off and got out with guns.
“They told him to get out but he didn’t so they dragged him out. They pulled him to the ground and arrested him.”
Mr Lowe said it appeared as though the man was trying to travel in the opposite direction to police cars.
“It didn’t look like he was trying to mount the footpath and hit pedestrians.”
He added: “Police jumped out with their guns drawn. The driver rammed the police car.”
Witness Alexander Hipwell said police pulled a man from his black Toyota sedan around 4.20pm.
“At least 15 cop cars, vans and trucks came out of nowhere,” he said.
Mr Hipwell said two officers initially approached the vehicle with handguns drawn, talking to the man through the passenger side window.
“I first heard police sirens and then a police car pulled up behind this black Toyota Aurion.
A group of officers pulled their guns on him and pulled him out of the car,” Mr Hipwell said.
A number of police vehicles with heavily armed officers then descended upon the scene, with police trucks blocking the vehicle.
He said police armed with rifles surrounded the car.
“He struggled, then they pulled him down to the tarmac. Police officers sat him on the sidewalk and searched his car,” he said.
Mr Hipwell said officers conducted a thorough search of the black car.
“They searched the rear seats and boot of the car before popping the bonnet and having a good look around the engine,” he said.
He said blankets and clothing were pulled from the vehicle.
The Herald Sun has been told the erratic car was also seen driving on the wrong side of the road on Lonsdale St about 3.30pm.
Anyone with information, or who may have dashcam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.