High-speed police chase ends in dramatic arrests on Monash Freeway

Police allege the group of males got out of the car and forced their way into the property, which was unoccupied at the time. It is unclear if anything was stolen.

The pursuit continued across several suburbs, including Prahran and Hawthorn, with support from Operation Trinity units, the air wing, and local officers.

In Berwick, the offenders abandoned the Mercedes and attempted to flee in a waiting Mazda, which collided with another vehicle’s trailer as it tried to escape. Both vehicles were stopped by police shortly afterward.

Images from the scene on the Monash show two people in handcuffs being led towards police cars, with two cars damaged nearby. Ambulance Victoria said one person was taken to hospital.

Among those arrested were a 17-year-old boy from Casey, two 19-year-old men from Casey, a 20-year-old man from Kingston, a 21-year-old man from Greater Dandenong, and a 21-year-old man from Cardinia.

All remain in custody and are expected to be interviewed on Thursday.

Witnesses reported seeing multiple police cars and bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Monash Freeway on Thursday morning.

“I’m sitting here at the Clyde Road exit ramp, there are 15 police cars dead in front of me and traffic is at a stop,” one caller told 3AW.

“There is at least 14 police cars, there are at least two, possibly three people sitting on the ground in handcuffs,” said another caller. “It’s an absolute mess down here.”

During the arrests, police allegedly seized firearm components and ammunition from one of the suspects. A search of the Mazda also uncovered four machetes and a sword.

Acting Commander Adrian Healy from Southern Metro Region condemned the dangerous behaviour.

“Police are well aware that the impact caused by an intruder entering your home lasts long after they leave,” he said.

“That’s why we are out in force every night to try and prevent as many of these incidents as possible and when that’s not possible, enduring the offenders are in custody by the time the sun rises.

“There is an extreme risk caused by young offenders driving stolen vehicles at high speeds on our roads and we are thankful no one was seriously injured last night.”