Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an extensive pursuit where several police vehicles were rammed, and a police officer was injured, in Trafalgar yesterday.
Detectives charged the 34-year-old man of no fixed place of abode with 66 charges including carjacking, aggravated burglary with an offensive weapon, armed robbery, (5x) theft of motor vehicle, burglary, reckless conduct endanger life, attempted aggravated burglary, aggravated intentional exposure to police officer to risk by driving, drive manner dangerous, drive speed dangerous, dangerous driving while being pursued by police and unlicensed driving.
Morwell Crime Investigation Unit detectives, investigating a series of recent incidents in the La Trobe area, had been actively searching for the wanted man when the incident unfolded yesterday.
It's alleged the man committed a petrol drive-off in Tyers involving the stolen Mitsubishi about 8.20am.
Officers allegedly pursued the Mitsubishi on several occasions throughout Morwell and Trafalgar before the Mitsubishi allegedly rammed several police vehicles and a collided into a police officer.
The injured male police officer sustained lower-body injuries and was transported to hospital and has since been released.
The man was eventually arrested in a residential backyard in Trafalgar.
He was transported to hospital and was released today before being charged and remanded in custody.
He is due to appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 2 January.
The search and subsequent arrest of the man relates to the investigation into a series of incidents in the La Trobe area between 28 and 30 December.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak with anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of the man driving the Mitsubishi Outlander along the Princes Highway yesterday about 8.30am to come forward.
Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
