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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Hit-and-run suspect who stole man's car caught on CCTV

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Police seek public assistance after a 68-year-old man was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident in Heidelberg West.
  • The man was struck by his own car while attempting to prevent a woman from stealing it.
  • Authorities have released CCTV footage of a suspect and are appealing for information.

A 68-year-old man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was run over by his own car while trying to stop a thief in Melbourne's north-east. The incident occurred in Heidelberg West over the weekend.

Victoria Police released CCTV footage showing a woman walking along a footpath, appearing to look at her phone, before approaching the man's house. The man's black Honda SUV was in the driveway with its headlights on and a door ajar. Police allege the woman stole the vehicle, striking the man as he attempted to intervene.

The suspect, described as wearing a white hooded jacket, dark leggings, and white shoes, and the stolen Honda have not been located. Police are urging anyone with information or relevant footage to contact CrimeStoppers.

Neighbours identified the victim as George, describing him as a beloved local figure and a down-to-earth man who adored his cars. His neighbours alerted by screams, performed CPR at the scene before emergency services arrived. The Major Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the incident.

We love George around here, he's very important to us. He loved his cars … he was just a lovely down-to-earth guy, and no-one deserves this.

— Kim TripitirisA neighbour's description of the victim, George.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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