Five men have been detained after allegedly leading police on a chase in a minivan in Melbourne’s south-east overnight. Reports indicate that the group had threatened residents at a residence on Strzelecki Court in Cranbourne North before attempting to enter the property around 11.15 pm. Following their failed entry, they allegedly seized a dirt bike from the backyard and loaded it into a minibus.
The police later intercepted a Ford Territory nearby, seen travelling with the minivan, and arrested its 49-year-old driver. With assistance from the airwing, police pursued the minivan, deploying stop sticks that punctured its front tyres. The chase concluded at the intersection of South Gippsland Highway and Thompsons Road.
Three of the four occupants in the minivan surrendered, while one attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. The group, aged between 35 and 56, will now be interviewed by detectives, with police indicating that the incident appears to be targeted. The investigation is still ongoing.