Two teenagers aged 15 and 18 are facing serious charges following a spree of attempted carjackings in Richmond, Melbourne. They were allegedly driving a Subaru Outback, reported stolen during an aggravated burglary in Berwick on January 30.
The incidents occurred on a Wednesday afternoon when, around 1:30 PM, the duo reportedly attempted to carjack a blue BMW on Bendigo Street, with one of the teenagers threatening the driver with an axe. After this unsuccessful attempt, they pursued the BMW down Swan Street and allegedly tried to hijack a black Mercedes at the intersection of Burnley and Swan Streets. The Mercedes driver managed to escape, with reports indicating it was an Uber with a passenger onboard.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing one of the suspects armed with an axe, which led to a chaotic scene that culminated in the Subaru crashing into other vehicles, including a parked luxury car belonging to retired AFL player Jordan Lewis. Following the crash, the two teenagers fled on foot but were apprehended after two brothers witnessed the incident and initiated a citizen’s arrest at a nearby KFC.
Both suspects were charged with multiple offences, including attempted aggravated carjacking and possession of a weapon. The 15-year-old has been remanded in custody for a children’s court appearance, while the 18-year-old is set to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court.