‘Ranting’ driver unfit for questioning after Melbourne CBD crash

The suspect in the incident which led to the death of a 76yo man on Friday night was shouting from the roof of the car while arrested, now under police guard in hospital.

Police arrest the driver of a vehicle after it collided with vehicles and pedestrians in Bourke Street on Friday evening. Picture: 7 News

The suspect behind the Bourke Street tragedy which led to the death of a 76-year-old man on Friday night is confirmed to have clambered out of and onto the roof of the car before he was heard shouting “rantings”.

Investigations continue into the motivations of the 26-year-old man who was allegedly behind the wheel of a Toyota Aurion that collided with and injured three pedestrians outside Bourke Street Mall and two vehicle occupants at the intersection with Russell Street in Melbourne’s CBD.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said police confirmed the man could be heard shouting and ranting on the roof of his car before three officers from the Melbourne East station were able to apprehend the man and take him into custody.

“The suspect got out of his vehicle and got on the roof of it,” Commissioner Patton said.

“Fortunately three officers who were on duty, who were returning to the station, came upon the scene.

“Courageously and quickly they acted and arrested that male.”

The commissioner labelled the man as a “clean skin”, a Victoria Police reference to someone without prior criminal history.

The homicide squad will remain the lead investigation unit over the incident, with Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives having worked through the night to recreate the events.

Commissioner Patton outlined the events as they likely unfolded, stating the Toyota Aurion initially turned down Elizabeth St and drove into Bourke St.

“It continued along the tram until it was up around Swanston St,” he said.

Three innocent pedestrians are believed to have been “crossing” the tram line outside Bourke Street Mall when they were struck by the car, seriously injuring a 26-year-old man from Kew, a 23-year-old woman from China and a 35-year-old woman from Docklands.

The 26-year-old man contracted a broken pelvis and revived significant head trauma.

The 35-year-old woman received a broken arm and further head injuries, with the 23-year-old woman suspected to have a fracture in her neck along with other injuries.

“The vehicle continued along Bourke St up to the intersection with Russell St, where it in effect T-boned a Hyundai sedan travelling north,” Commissioner Patton said.

The Hyundai is then believed to have “knocked on to” a Mazda sedan, where an Uber driver and passenger received minor injuries as a result of the impact and subsequent procreation from their seat belts.

The scene following the fatal crash. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Commissioner Patton said the Counter Terrorism command had been in contact with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and deemed the incident was not part of a terrorist act.

“There is nothing known in relation to terrorism to connect this in any shape or form,” he said.

Reassurance patrols will be carried out around the CBD on Saturday, with commissioner Paton added anyone affected by the 2017 Bourke Street tragedy should seek out the patrols for assistance.

“Melbourne is a tremendously safe city,” he said.

“Obviously this will bring up memories and trauma for all those who were involved in the 2017 incident in Bourke Street.

“Our hearts go out to them.”

Footage emerged on social media overnight of the public’s response to the man as he was detained by police.

The crowd of city-goers and AFL fans lined on the foot path and at the tram stop meters away from the suspects car, hurled expletives and abuse at the man behind the horror collision.

“You f***ing, you killed somone!” a man shouted as he leant closer to the suspect as he lay on the floor being handcuffed by police.

“You’re a dog,” a group of footy fans pointed and shouted at the man repeatedly as he was led by police away from the scene.

Commissioner Shane Patton and Premier Daniel Andrews at press conference regarding Bourke and Russell streets incident Friday night. Picture: Josie Hayden

The man is under police guard in hospital with detectives unable to question him at this time until he is fit for interview.

“When we can interview this subject, we will,” Commissioner Patton added.

Investigations have developed into what the man was saying on the roof of what has been confirmed as the man’s mother’s vehicle.

Victorian Liberal MP Jason Wood offered his thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased and those injured, adding that he hoped the “culprit” faced the full verse of the law in light of the tragic events.

“I hope they throw the book hard at the culprit,” Mr Wood said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was very “proud” of the everyday Victorians who were on scene offering assistance and support to those injured.

He also thanked the three officers who were on scene first to arrest the driver and help those injured.

“I’m very, very proud,” Mr Andrews said.

He offered his deepest sympathies to the families of those injured and the man found dead at the scene.

“To all involved, this is a terrible incident,” he said.

The Premier stated Melbourne remains a “safe” city and people should feel comfortable to re-enter the CBD.

In the wake of the horror 2017 Bourke Street incident, Mr Andrews said everything within the state’s power, with engineering and safety advice, had been done to “fortify the city” and make Bourke Street safe for pedestrians.