POLICE were forced to smash their way into a vehicle to arrest a Pakenham man who attempted to flee officers as they approached on foot.
The 23-year-old’s foiled attempt at a getaway unfolded on Hoyles Road in Pakenham Upper just before noon on Saturday 25 June and resulted in 18 charges including theft of a motor vehicle, registration plates and petrol.
He was remanded overnight to appear at court on Sunday and was further remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next month.
Police said they spotted the man in a “suspect” vehicle and moved to intercept him.
It first appeared as if the man was going to comply with officers’ direction as he slowed his car to a stop on the side of the road.
As police stepped out of their car to speak with the man he attempted to speed off but police smashed into the vehicle through the windows to restrain him.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said the 23-year-old was charged with 18 offences following his arrest.
Some of the charges included theft of a car from the Yarra Rangers area on 30 June last year and theft of petrol from a Longwarry service station in November.
Police said the man’s car was unregistered and fitted with stolen number plates at the time of his arrest.
He is expected to face court on Thursday 7 July.
