Stolen car drives through Northland shopping centre as driver flees police

The driver of a stolen Toyota LandCruiser who sparked a major emergency incident at Northland has been urged to hand himself in as police say it’s “a matter of time” before he is caught.

A brazen car thief is on the run after putting shoppers’ lives at risk by barrelling through Northland shopping centre in a stolen 4WD in a bid to evade ­pursuing police.

The busy complex went into lockdown for the second time in less than a month after the white Toyota LandCruiser tore through it.

A mother and her child were forced to jump out of the way of the speeding vehicle, which came within metres of other terrified shoppers.

The LandCruiser seen driving through Northland shopping centre. Picture: 7NEWS

The car sped off through the centre. Picture: 7NEWS

Police at the Northland entrance. Picture: Josie Hayden

Northland was placed into lockdown during the drama. Picture: Josie Hayden

One witness said it “sounded like gunshots” as the car smashed its way through one entrance, drove past shops and then slammed though doors at the other end of the mall as the driver made his ­escape.

Shoppers described hearing screams as the vehicle hurtled through the centre at speed.

Superintendent Kelly Lawson said police were responding to reports of a stolen car parked at the centre about 4pm when they tried to block the vehicle and arrest the driver inside it.

She said the driver put his foot down and rammed a police patrol vehicle twice ­before heading off through the shopping centre in his escape bid.

A police car that was rammed. Picture: Josie Hayden

“The driver took evasive ­action, and unfortunately the only place he could go was to ram the police vehicle … and then took off and drove through the shopping centre and exited at the first available opportunity,” she said.

Superintendent Lawson said her officers had “very good” footage of the driver and it was only a matter of time before he was caught.

She urged him to hand himself in.

She said the driver’s actions were not intended to harm anyone inside the shopping complex.

Staff and customers took cover in shops as the Toyota barrelled along at a speed which would have caused serious injury or death to anyone in its way.

It then crashed through the glass doors of an entrance, up-ended a safety bollard before being driven away.

No one was struck or injured during the chaos, however one woman was treated for shock. The LandCruiser was last seen travelling ­towards Wood St.

Emergency crews at the scene. Picture: Jacqueline Felgate/Instagram

The driver fled after the incident. Picture: 7NEWS

Wayne O’Connor was enjoying his daily coffee inside the shopping centre at Jamaica Blue when the vehicle crashed through the entrance.

Mr O’Connor said he came “face-to-face” with the driver.

He said the man appeared to make an effort to dodge pedestrians.

“He took out all the doors all the way through, but he didn’t hit anybody and he actually stopped for a little kid,” Mr O’Connor said.

Witness Wayne O’Connor. Picture: Josie Hayden

“He stopped for the children and he stopped at Kmart and looked to make sure no one was walking across the centre.

“I don’t think he wanted to hurt anybody … (but) if he had’ve hit the pedal quick, he would have definitely got me and the table at Jamaica Blue.”

Mr O’Connor said it was “fortunate” the complex wasn’t busier at the time.

Liz Deka was shopping at the time and was front and centre when the LandCruiser came through Northlands doors.

Ms Deka said she heard some crashing and sirens outside and thought someone must have been caught in the shopping centre carpark.

“Then as things seemed to be going quiet the car suddenly ploughed through the entrance heading towards target,” she said.

If the driver had come through just minutes earlier it could have been much more tragic tale, Ms Deka said.

“The car came ploughing through the children’s ride area which thankfully had just closed for the day.”

After the initial shock wore off Ms Deka said she realised how serious the situation was and how a lot of other shoppers still appeared unaware of what was unfolding.

She said she hid behind a pylon with some other shoppers as they watched the car come to a stop, then speed off again.

“There weren’t too many people near the entrance but plenty of people down the walkways and it seemed no one had really realised what was happening.

“For a brief second they came to a stop a bit less than half way down the walkway, at least one security guard was near by so the car took off again,” she said.

“This time going faster towards lots of unaware shoppers.

“As that was happening several ladies near me started panicking even more so I ushered them into the closest store, Just Cuts and the salon went into lockdown mode.”

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: 9 News

Shopping centre doors were damaged as the driver fled. Picture: 9 News

Another woman, who was working in the centre at the time of the incident, said she heard the commotion from the other side of the complex.

“I could hear people screaming and suddenly everyone was locking down,” she said.

One Facebook commenter said they were locked in a store following the incident, where they said a car drove “right through” the complex.

“If you’re planning on attending Northland this afternoon … don’t,” the post read.

“Currently in lockdown and at least some areas are being evacuated (I’m locked in a store).

“A car smashed through a door and went right through the shopping centre,” it said.

There was a significant police presence at the centre on Wednesday evening, and additional security, as repair works began on the two smashed entrances.

A Northland Shopping Centre spokeswoman confirmed the centre would be operating as normal on Thursday, however she said some businesses may remain closed to the public. “We are continuing to work with Victoria Police on this matter,” she said.

Vicinity Group, which manages the shopping centre, said their thoughts were with those affected.

The latest drama comes less than a month after a shoppers were terrified by a gang confrontation at Northland.

About 10 youths fought with machetes, forcing the complex into lockdown. A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old both on bail were allegedly involved.

The incident prompted the Allan government to fast-track a sales ban on machetes and other long-edged blades.

Anyone with information about Wednesday’s incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.