Melbourne stolen vehicle pedestrian incident

A 16-year-old boy from the Greater Dandenong area has been charged with multiple offences following an incident where he allegedly drove a stolen Ford Escape into a pedestrian near the Melbourne Marathon route. The collision occurred on a Sunday morning at the intersection of Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street, striking a 57-year-old woman.

Witnesses reported that bystanders had to drag the injured woman from the road to prevent further impact as the driver performed a U-turn and continued driving erratically, striking several parked cars and street signs. During the subsequent pursuit, police were forced to draw their firearms. The suspect was apprehended on Beaconsfield Parade in Albert Park.

The teenager faces charges including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, failing to render assistance, and driving in a dangerous manner. Authorities confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from a business in Cranbourne South earlier that morning and stated the incident is not being treated as a targeted attack or an act of terrorism.

Separately, concerns regarding safety at the marathon were raised after a runner was reportedly struck by a pacer car for the men’s half-marathon, resulting in a major injury requiring surgery.