A 36-year-old man from Point Cook has been charged with nearly 50 offences following a high-speed rampage across Melbourne.
The man was arrested after allegedly stealing a van around 5.40am last Friday and leading police on an erratic, hours-long pursuit.
Police allege the van was driven dangerously, colliding with multiple parked and moving vehicles during the chase, though no serious injuries were reported.
The accused has been charged with a string of offences, including motor vehicle theft, 12 counts of reckless conduct endangering life, and 17 counts of reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
Additional charges include unlicensed driving and two counts of committing indictable offences while on bail.
The police pursuit spanned several suburbs, including Footscray, Port Melbourne, Spotswood, Carnegie, Sunshine, Dandenong, and Point Cook.
The chase ended around 1pm on Dunnings Road in Point Cook, where the van crashed after hitting a street sign.
Helicopter footage captured the suspect jumping from the van and attempting to flee on foot before being struck by an unmarked police vehicle.
He was arrested on the spot and taken to hospital under police guard, where he is currently being treated.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
