UPDATE: A 41-year-old man has been charged with attempting to abduct two children during separate incidents at the Coburg shopping centre on the evening of October 6, 2023. This shocking development has left the local community on high alert.
Authorities allege the man first stalked a woman and her child into a pharmacy on Louisa Street around 8:20 PM. After following them to their car, he reportedly climbed into the back seat just as they were getting inside. The child bravely escaped and ran back into the pharmacy while the woman intervened. The man waited outside for a brief period before leaving the scene.
In a disturbing turn of events, he later scaled a fence to enter church grounds on Victoria Street, where he approached another child and attempted to lure them away. Quick-thinking adults alerted authorities, and the man attempted to flee but was apprehended before police arrived. He was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives from the Fawkner Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team have charged the man with multiple offenses, including two counts of stalking, two counts of attempted child stealing, and grooming for sexual conduct with a child under 16. He is set to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 22.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report.
This alarming case emphasizes the importance of vigilance in community safety. Local parents are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
In a separate incident, police arrested the driver of a stolen car in Coburg after a dramatic chase that began late on the same night. The vehicle, a stolen 2024 Toyota RAV4, reached speeds of up to 140 km/h and was driven recklessly on the wrong side of the road along the M80 Metropolitan Ring Road.
The chase culminated early Tuesday morning when police deployed tyre deflation devices to bring the pursuit to an end. The stolen vehicle crashed into a parked car in Walsh Street, allowing the driver and a passenger to flee on foot. The 30-year-old driver, who appeared to be under the influence of substances, was apprehended after jumping several backyard fences. He is currently under police guard in the hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
This pursuit was part of Operation Trinity, aimed at preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts in the area. Authorities discovered multiple stolen items inside the vehicle during their investigation.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for community awareness and safety. Stay tuned for further updates as investigations continue.
