Shirtless driver pinned down in dramatic citizens' arrest on busy road

The man was tackled to the ground after a car crashed into four cars during busy peak-hour traffic.

Brave motorists have pinned a shirtless driver to the ground on a busy Melbourne road after he allegedly smashed into several cars and tried to carjack two others.

An out-of-control Jeep was seen speeding into oncoming traffic on Auburn Road in Hawthorn about 5.30pm on Monday.

The car crashed into four other vehicles in peak-hour traffic, leaving his own vehicle mangled.

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Auburn Road Hawthorn carjacking story Feb 19 2026

Desperate to get away, the shirtless man allegedly tried to carjack two drivers.

Police allege he assaulted one man and tried to steal his car keys before trying to pull a woman out of her car.

"When I saw him reach into this poor lady's car, I was like, well someone's gotta stop him," witness George Allen said.

"He was obviously trying to grab her keys or open her door. I could hear him yelling abuse at her, and her yelling something back."

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Auburn Road Hawthorn carjacking story Feb 19 2026

The man was restrained by the people he allegedly tried to carjack, until police arrived a short time later.

"They came over and got into a slight fist fight and then pinned him down and held him until the police came.

"One of the tradies who was obviously in a ute grabbed a rope and tied him up."

The 50-year-old man from Capel Sound on the Mornington Peninsula was taken to hospital under police guard.

He has since been charged with a string of offences including attempted carjacking, attempted robbery and reckless conduct endangering life.

He was remanded in custody to reappear in court next week.

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