Police are hunting three suspects following a brutal hit-and-run in St Kilda that left a teenager with serious injuries.
The terrifying attack began after the victim – a 17-year-old boy from Prahran – and another male drove a white Kia into a McDonald’s carpark on The Esplanade soon after 10pm on Tuesday.
As they approached the drive-through, a stolen grey Mazda crashed into the back of the Kia. One of the alleged attackers jumped out of the Mazda, started pounding on the Kia doors and then stabbed the 17-year-old with a knife.
The two occupants of the Kia fled in the car towards Acland Street and then down St Leonards Avenue, where they reached a dead end. They then attempted to flee on foot.
The alleged attackers jumped out of the Mazda and into the Kia, and then ran over the 17-year-old in his own car, Detective Inspector Mark Patrick told reporters on Tuesday night.
“These are serious crimes. The offenders have no humanity,” Patrick said. “[It’s] behaviour like dogs, like rabid dogs.”
Video taken by witnesses calling Triple Zero shows the Kia, with a crumpled rear bumper, repeatedly reversing back and forward on the street.
One witness told ABC Radio Melbourne the victim was run over twice.
“The car ran over him the first time and then reversed over him to get him a second time,” she said. “The people jumped out and stabbed him in the face, and then that victim ran away.”
Two of the alleged attackers then fled in the Kia before dumping it on Fitzroy Street, while a third ran away from the scene.
The teenage victim was found with serious injuries on St Leonards Avenue, and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The police dog squad and air wing was used in the search.
Detectives say the offenders are 175cm tall, 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 at The Age. Email him at [email protected] or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31Connect via email.From our partners
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