A 16-year-old boy has been charged after a pedestrian was allegedly struck by a stolen car on Flinders St in the Melbourne CBD, metres away from 60,0000 people taking part in a major marathon.
Police allege a stolen Ford Escape was being driven east along the tram tracks on Flinders St in the Melbourne CBD about 10.45am Sunday.
The car then struck a 57-year-old woman, who was standing on the intersection of Elizabeth St.
She was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to her upper body.
Patrolling officers were forced to draw their firearms after the driver performed a U-turn outside Flinders St Station, driving again and smashing into several parked cars.
Debris from the incident could be seen scattered across the footpath as crowds shouted in fear.
Onlookers told ABC the incident was “so scary” with the sounds of peoples’ screams filling the busy area.
“(The alleged driver) had no regard for anyone when he was driving, absolutely not, completely erratic, very reckless,” one witness said.
“He was not looking at people, he was driving straight at people,” another described.
The incident unfolded metres away from the Melbourne Marathon, as about 60,000 people were running by Flinders St Station near the end of Swanston St.
“Police have confirmed this is not an act of terrorism nor was it a targeted attack,” a police statement read.
A 16-year-old boy was later arrested on Beaconsfield Pde in Albert Park without incident.
He has since been charged with reckless conduct endanger serious injury, drive manner dangerous, drive at speed dangerous, unlicensed driving, careless driving, fail to have proper control of vehicle, fail to render assistance, theft of motor vehicle and handle stolen goods.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at a children’s court on Monday.
Police allege the car was stolen from a business on Luster Circuit in Cranbourne South about 2am Sunday.