AFL coach Michael Voss makes ‘citizen’s arrest’ after Melbourne crash

Carlton coach Michael Voss’ incredible bravery was on display in a video showing him confront an alleged thief outside a cafe.

AFL coach Michael Voss has stepped in to make a citizen’s arrest after witnessing a dramatic car crash across the road from a cafe in Melbourne.

The Carlton coach was getting coffee at Barton Milk Bar at Hawthorn on Tuesday morning when an allegedly stolen car overturned outside.

Witness have reported Voss chased down one of the males seen fleeing the scene, with the AFL great tackling the teenager and holding them until police arrived.

Michael Voss approaches the crash site. Picture: Instagram/jacquifelgate

Victoria Police has confirmed officers arrested a 16-year-old boy after he allegedly tried to flee from a stolen Mercedes.

The boy was “detained by a member of the public”, according to a police statement.

Carlton said Voss was unharmed and was able to give a detailed description of the alleged assailants to police.

“It was a bit of action,” triple-premiership winner Voss told 9 News after the incident.

“I was hoping to be on a couple of days break but it’s all good here.

“I have spoken to the police but everyone is safe and healthy and that is all that matters.”

Cafe owner James Laskie told The Herald Sun he was making Voss’ coffee when the crash occurred.

Mr Laskie helped chase the teens, and said police allegedly pulled a “large knife” from the pants of the male who was arrested.

“It was a pretty hectic morning,” he said.

Carlton president Luke Sayers told The Herald Sun Voss was a “true blue hero”.

Cafe owner James Laskie. Picture: Angus McIntyre

Michael Voss has been labelled a hero. Picture: Michael Klein

Former Carlton player turned social media star Daniel Gorringe posted a video celebrating the “scenes in Hawthorn this morning”.

“You can’t make this stuff up,” he said.

“If that’s not a coach that isn’t setting the tone for the boys for a big trip to Brisbane for a final I don’t know what is.

“Michael Voss doesn’t give a s*** about robbers. Love this.”

A post shared by media personality Jacqui Felgate on Instagram this morning showed images of Voss approaching the overturned grey car as two males exited the vehicle resting on its side.

“Wanted to give Michael Voss a huge shout out this morning,” a message accompanying the images read.

“While he was waiting for his coffee at our local cafe in Hawthorn, a stolen car flipped onto the footpath just outside the cafe.

“Two guys got out of the car and fled.

“Without hesitation, Vossy ran after them both and performed a citizens arrest.

“Police have since arrived. Incredibly brave by Vossy!”

The grey vehicle overturned outside the cafe. Picture: Instagram/jacquifelgate

The person, who said they were a “mad” Western Bulldogs fan, said they would be cheering for the Blues in their elimination final against Brisbane after witnessing the coach’s heroic act.

“Blues fans what a fearless leader you have!,” they wrote.

9News AFL reporter Tom Morris wrote about the incident on X about 9.20am this morning.

“Incredible scenes in Hawthorn this morning … A car believed to be stolen flipped onto its side. @CarltonFC coach Michael Voss, who was inside Barton Cafe, tackled the teenage suspect and held him until police arrived,” Morris posted.

“And then went back in to get his coffees! Onlookers amazed to say the least.”

The car came to a rest on a footpath across the road from the cafe. Picture: Angus McIntyre

Victoria Police said it was believed the Mercedes was allegedly stolen on August 21 from an address at Ivanhoe East.

“Officers have been told the Mercedes lost control and rolled before it landed on its side on a footpath on Barton Street just before 9am.

“The two occupants ran from the scene, however one teen was detained by a member of the public.

“Police arrived shortly after and took the 16-year-old Mooroopna boy into custody.”

A second male remained on the run on Tuesday morning.

He is described as having a fair complexion, long blonde hair and wearing a black cap, black and white scarf, black hoodie and black pants.

“The investigation remains ongoing,” police said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.