12.10.2026 22:50
In Sydney, Australia, a half-naked man forced a woman out of a vehicle in the middle of the street and then tried to flee by stealing her car. Despite the efforts of bystanders to stop him, the suspect managed to get away from the scene with the vehicle, first hitting another car, then barriers and an elderly woman. While the injured woman was taken to hospital, the 36-year-old suspect, who turned the area into a battlefield, was caught by police teams.
A car theft in Sydney, Australia, during the night resulted in a series of crashes.
HE STOLE A CAR HALF-NAKED AND FLED
The incident occurred around 21:00 on Thursday on Pitt Street. According to a police statement, the 36-year-old suspect stole a car belonging to a 26-year-old woman after forcibly removing the victim from it.
In footage that emerged, several people were seen trying to stop the half-naked man as he got into the car and prepared to drive away. However, despite the bystanders' intervention, the suspect managed to leave the scene in the car.
HE FIRST HIT A CAR, THEN A PEDESTRIAN
Heading onto George Street in the stolen vehicle, the suspect collided with a car driven by a 27-year-old man and carrying a 24-year-old woman as a passenger. The impact sent the other car crashing into a parked police vehicle. The suspect first hit roadside barriers, then struck a 56-year-old woman.
The elderly woman, who was slightly injured on her head, was taken to hospital after emergency crews intervened. Her condition was reported as stable, and no other injuries were reported in the incident.
CAUGHT AFTER THE COLLISION
The car used by police officers who came to the area following the car theft report was also damaged in the crash. Officers got out of their vehicles and quickly detained the driver of the stolen car.
The 36-year-old man, said to have come from South Australia, was taken to St Vincent's Hospital for mandatory tests under police guard.
"IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE"
Acting Sydney Police Superintendent Adam Solah, speaking after the incident, noted that there were many people in the area where the crash occurred.
Solah said, "There were people shopping in front of the Queen Victoria Building until late at night; it was very crowded."
Emphasizing that it was a great stroke of luck that the suspect was caught so quickly, Solah said, "It could definitely have been much worse."
Solah also thanked the members of the public who helped the injured during the incident, and described how bystanders intervened before ambulance crews arrived.
TO BE TRIED IN CUSTODY
Legal proceedings were initiated against the detained suspect on charges of assault with intent to steal a vehicle, careless driving, common assault, and damage to property. The 36-year-old man, who was brought before the court, had his request for bail refused.
The suspect is expected to appear again before a judge at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, October 14.