Teen stabbed, mown down in his own car in brutal St Kilda attack
Police are hunting three suspects following a brutal hit-and-run that left a teenager seriously injured in St Kilda.
The terrifying attack began when the victim, a 17-year-old boy from Prahran, and another man drove a white Kia into the McDonald’s car park on The Esplanade just after 10pm on Tuesday.
As they approached the car, a stolen gray Mazda crashed into the back of the Kia. One of the alleged attackers jumped out of the Mazda, started banging on the Kia doors and then stabbed the 17-year-old with a knife.
The two occupants of the Kia fled by car towards Acland Street, then towards St Leonards Avenue, where they reached a dead end. They then tried to escape on foot.
Detective Inspector Mark Patrick told reporters on Tuesday night that the attackers jumped from the Mazda into the Kia and then ran over the 17-year-old with his own car.
“These are serious crimes. The criminals have no humanity,” Patrick said. “[It’s] behavior like dogs, like rabid dogs.”
In the video taken by witnesses searching for Triple Zero, the Kia with its crumpled rear bumper can be seen repeatedly moving back and forth on the street.
An eyewitness told ABC Radio Melbourne the victim was run over twice.
“The car ran over him the first time and then came back the second time and caught him,” he said. “People jumped out and stabbed him in the face and then the victim ran away.”
Two of the alleged attackers then fled before dumping the Kia in Fitzroy Street, while the third fled the scene.
The young victim was found critically injured on St Leonards Avenue and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A police dog team and an air wing were used in the search.
Detectives said the attackers were 175 cm tall, were of African descent and were wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information or CCTV footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Angus Delaney is a reporter for The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at Angusdelaney.31.Connect via email.
