Swanston St driver charged by police
A MAN arrested after allegedly driving a minibus the wrong way down Swanston St faced court this morning, following a dramatic arrest in front of stunned shoppers that was caught on CCTV.
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A MAN has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life after a minibus being driven the wrong way down busy Swanston St was stopped by police before a dramatic arrest.
The alleged driver - a 38-year-old man from East Devonport in Tasmania - was arrested near Flinders Lane about 2.20pm yesterday.
The man faced an out of sessions hearing this morning and was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
Police are appealing for anyone who recorded the minibus’ movements through the city and inner suburbs on their dashcam to contact them as they piece together what happened on Melbourne streets just after lunch.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Steve Bills said although the incident wasn’t terrorist related there was a risk of serious injury.
“No one has been injured but there’s no doubt the conduct of his driving has been extraordinarily dangerous,” he said.
“The potential for what may have happened was enormous.”
The blue and white 1998 Mazda Campervan was believed to have been involved in minor collisions in Richmond earlier in the day.
“They were relatively minor collisions such as side swiping,” Insp Bills said.
Police say the van was seen turning left on La Trobe St, before driving down Swanston St.
A critical response vehicle patrolling the area spotted the minibus and stopped the driver.
Video footage shows an officer charging towards the bus with weapon drawn.
The man was arrested at the scene and taken for a drug and alcohol testing.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Update - Police operation on Swanston St:
— Yarra Trams (@yarratrams) April 10, 2018
- No Swanston St trams are operating between Stop 7 RMIT University and
Stop 14 Arts Precinct.
- Route 1 trams in both directions are diverting via Kings Way, William St & La Trobe St.
âš ï¸ Flinders Street and City Loop stations: Passengers connecting from/to @yarratrams services along the St Kilda Road and Swanston Street corridors are advised that service changes are in place due to a @VictoriaPolice operation. https://t.co/4h6OIyei7T
— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) April 10, 2018
Anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au