Police shut down parts of Flinders St following incident with car
UPDATE: A KNIFE-wielding teen rampaging outside Flinders St Station in Melbourne’s CBD has been Tasered and arrested by police amid fears he was planning to run pedestrians down, causing chaos on AFL Grand Final day.
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A KNIFE-wielding 15-year-old rampaging outside Flinders St Station has been Tasered and arrested in dramatic scenes in Melbourne’s CBD this morning.
Police said they are treating the incident as “mental health” related and the youth has been taken to hospital for assessment.
The teen from Knoxfield has not been charged at this stage.
Acting Superintendent Wayne Newman said there was no information to suggest the youth had links to terror.
The teen was armed dressed in a “concerning” outfit, and, according to witnesses, was attempting to hit pedestrians.
Video footage shows the moment police pounced on the teenager, who was wearing a helmet and carrying a large knife, on the corner of Swanston St and Flinders St.
Police and members of the Critical Incident Response Team rushed to the scene just before 8am following reports of a car allegedly being driven erratically.
But Mr Newman said there was no information to suggest the youth was out to harm people.
“I don’t think there was any intention ... that we deliberately know that he was causing to do harm,” he said.
“Certainly his behaviour and driving was erratic but no one was harmed.
“Victoria Police had its full capability available this morning, police were on scene within minutes and were able to neutralise this threat.”
Senior police monitored the teen on CCTV after bystanders called 000.
Officers then confronted the driver and Tasered him.
“He wasn’t making any threatening remarks that I understand,” Mr Newman said.
“His behaviour was erratic and concerning police and we felt appropriate to use the force we used.”
He said the bystanders had been vigilant and praised them for contacting police.
There was no threat to the community.
“I encourage Victorians and interstate guests to enjoy today,” Mr Newman said.
Witnesses have told the Herald Sun a teen was pinned to the ground and arrested.
A green Toyota Rav 4 is stopped in the middle of the road while numerous items including helmet, a bag and a pair of boots are strewn across the road.
One man said he threw a bike at the Rav 4 to stop it as the driver continued to perform “doughnuts” in front of Flinders St Station.
The man told the Herald Sun he heard “screeching” as the car drove up Swanston St and back towards Federation Square.
He said the male driver was wearing a full body suit and seemed to be attempting to run people over.
“I looked up and saw this guy doing doughnuts ... he started coming down here (Swanston St) driving up and down,” he said.
Witness tells me he threw a bike at car to stop it. Driver came at him w/ knife & baton. "He was going mad...he was prepared" #FlindersSt pic.twitter.com/PWP7sCUHEG
— Andrea Hamblin (@AndieHamblin) September 29, 2017
“He was trying to get on the footpath and then started trying to hit people.
“He tried to run into Fed Square.
“He was going mad, he was driving up and down on the road.”
The witness said he confronted the driver who he said was then Tasered by police and taken away.
The hero witness said the youth came towards him with a baton and a knife.
“He was prepared,” the man said.
A witness, Stefanie, said the teen was dressed all in black and police had removed his boots and a backpack.
“He looked really slight, really young — he was on red P plates,” she said, referring to the vehicle the teen was allegedly driving.
“It’s really scary — everyone is in shock.”
Another woman said she was driving along Flinders St, when the youth turned in front of her and then heading back towards her.
“I jumped out of my car and started screaming,” Katrina said.
“There were all these tourists and I told them to go up the stairs at Saint Pauls Cathedral.”
She said he was driving at high speeds up and down Flinders St, allegedly trying to hit people. Katrina said he was wearing a helmet and had a padded vest on.
“It was truly terrifying,” she said. “Everyone felt so exposed.”
The incident comes as thousands of footy fans descend on the MCG for the AFL Grand Final.
Public transport was completely stopped in the area as police investigated the incident, but all tram and train services resumed as normal shortly before 11am.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14
All of Flinders St and Swanston St completely closed off, massive police operation, no idea what for, looks serious though. pic.twitter.com/Kfmudl4d4b
— Owen Jones (@digital__beard) September 29, 2017