By Rowan Forster
A fugitive has evaded police during a Pakenham Bypass pursuit on Friday morning, proceeding to vault residential fences and trespass on private property during his escape.
Officers intercepted a vehicle speeding along the Monash Freeway bearing stolen number plates at about 5.20am.
The driver failed to stop, leading police on a chase towards Healesville-Kooweerup Road.
As the offender proceeded down the Healesville-Kooweerup Road off ramp, he lost control and ploughed into a fixed light pole.
The car – suspected to be stolen – came to a rest in grassland nearby.
Detectives chased the man on foot, but he escaped by jumping over backyard fences and rushing through properties in Arden Estate.
Several residents reported sightings of the alleged offender, with one reportedly having her daughter awoken and frightened when the man bashed on her window.
Police were forced to close the Kooweerup Road off ramp while debris was cleared from the scene.A Victoria Police helicopter also flew overhead in a desperate bid to locate the offender.He remains at large, with police appealing for further information.
It was one of two incidents overnight, with police responding to reports of a stolen car in Officer.
The vehicle was located in a neighbouring street, prompting detectives to executive a raid at a property in Mentone.
A large amount of stolen and fraudulent passports, drivers licenses, credit cards and stolen mail were seized during the search warrant.
A 41-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were subsequently arrested and granted bail to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates Court at a later date.
Anyone with further information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
