A frantic manhunt is underway across Melbourne’s eastern and northern suburbs after a man allegedly carried out two violent attacks, culminating in a car being driven into a Dandenong North home. The male offender is accused of stabbing a woman in her own home after deliberately crashing a stolen vehicle into the property, hours after allegedly assaulting another man in Epping.
Victoria Police confirmed that a silver Honda CRV, believed to be stolen, was intentionally driven into a residence on Exner Street, Dandenong North, around 10:15 am. Following the collision, the male driver exited the vehicle and allegedly attacked the female occupant of the house. Authorities believe the woman, who is in her 30s, was known to the assailant.
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to her upper body. Paramedics provided treatment at the scene before she was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Earlier the same morning, at approximately 7:15 am, police allege the same man was involved in a separate stabbing incident at a property on Bradman Terrace in Epping. The victim in this instance was a 40-year-old man, who also suffered injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Police have stated that this victim was also known to the alleged offender.
Manhunt Underway
Following the Dandenong North incident, the alleged offender fled the scene on foot, and as of the latest reports, he remains at large. Inspector Graham Higginbotham of Victoria Police detailed the extensive resources being deployed in the search. The police airwing and the dog squad have been mobilised, alongside increased patrols in the affected areas.
The man is described as having an African appearance with “afro-type” hair. At the time of the Dandenong North incident, he was reportedly wearing a brown or dark-coloured top and black pants.
Inspector Higginbotham stressed that while an active and ongoing investigation is in place to locate the individual, police do not currently believe there is a significant risk to the wider community.
“At this stage we don’t believe there’s a specific risk to anyone else in the community,” Inspector Higginbotham stated. “These appear to be instances against persons known to this person, so we’re not saying there’s potential for random attacks out there, but we just ask people to be careful and cautious and to contact police if they do see anyone matching that description.”
Eyewitness Accounts Emerge
Residents in the vicinity of the attacks are being urged to come forward with any information that could assist police. Kiki Muscara, a neighbour of the Dandenong North property, reported seeing a man matching the description of the wanted offender walking down the street shortly after the incident.
“It was so blasé. He just walked down the street and then he just disappeared,” Ms. Muscara recounted, adding that she and her husband initially did not grasp the gravity of the situation unfolding.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information, particularly from those living in or travelling through Epping and Dandenong North in the vicinity of the attacks. This includes requests for:
- CCTV Footage: Any security camera footage that may have captured the offender’s movements before, during, or after the incidents.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Any observations or details that residents or passers-by may have noticed, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Members of the public who have any information are encouraged to contact Victoria Police immediately by calling Triple Zero (000). Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through their online portal. The swift reporting of any sightings or relevant information is crucial in assisting police to apprehend the alleged offender and ensure public safety.
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