A man has been arrested after a brief foot chase in Werribee this morning, following reports of a stolen ute being driven dangerously through the area.
Police were first alerted about 8.30am after receiving multiple Triple Zero (000) calls from concerned motorists and locals who reported an erratic driver on Ballan Road.
Callers described the vehicle moving unpredictably and at times behaving dangerously in traffic, prompting an urgent response from local units.
The vehicle — a 2012 Nissan Navara allegedly bearing stolen number plates — was reported to have been travelling on the wrong side of the road and along footpaths, narrowly missing pedestrians.
The reports quickly escalated amid fears the driver posed an immediate risk to other road users and pedestrians in the area.
Officers later located the Navara on Synnot Street, where it was believed to have stalled in the middle of the roadway. Police say the driver attempted to restart the vehicle before fleeing on foot.
After a short pursuit, the man was arrested inside a nearby chemist, police. Chemist staff in Werribee were seen hiding behind the counter as police arrested the man.
The 21-year-old Manor Lakes man was transported to hospital under police guard. Once released, he is expected to be interviewed by investigators.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the driving behaviour, or motorists who may have dashcam footage of the Navara in the Werribee area around the time of the incident, to contact authorities.
