BREAKING: A late-night police operation in Werribee has led to the arrest of 14 individuals, following a dramatic encounter involving a driver who allegedly rammed a police vehicle. The operation, dubbed Operation Shows, was underway on 31 October around 10:50 PM when officers patrolling the Tarneit area noticed suspicious activity in a car park.
As police approached one vehicle, the driver reportedly reversed into a police car and fled the scene, narrowly missing an officer. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the Air Wing to track the vehicle. During the pursuit, a passenger allegedly leaped from the moving car on Inverell Parkway. Police apprehended a 28-year-old man shortly after the incident.
The chase culminated on Kalorama Street, where the driver attempted to hide behind a fence. Thanks to the swift assistance from Air Wing, officers on the ground quickly located and arrested the man without incident. A search of the vehicle revealed a trove of illegal items, including a firearm, ammunition, over $54,000 in cash, as well as a significant stash of cocaine and MDMA.
The driver, a 21-year-old from Essendon, faces multiple charges, including aggravated exposure of a police officer to risk by driving, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, and trafficking drugs. He has been remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 27 January.
Over the course of the two-night operation, police intercepted more than 140 vehicles and conducted 57 breath tests. Nine vehicles were impounded, and four stolen cars were recovered. Additionally, eleven drivers received penalty notices for various traffic offenses, including driving unregistered and speeding.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Lewis emphasized the importance of Operation Shows in deterring criminal activity. “These arrests show that while you might not always see us, we are always there,” he stated.
This operation is expected to continue regularly in the Wyndham area, aiming to maintain public safety and curb criminal behavior. As police efforts intensify, residents can expect ongoing patrols and increased vigilance in the community. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
