Police are appealing for witnesses and are hoping to identify a driver speeding on the Eastern Freeway in Donvale following a petrol drive off last week.
The incident occurred when a man entered a service station on the Princes Highway in Pakenham about 8.50am on 1 July.
He filled a stolen red 2004 Holden Statesman with fuel and drove off without paying.
The man is then believed to have been in the same vehicle when it collided with a police vehicle on Mount Dandenong Road in Croydon about 12.45pm on 2 July.
Two police members were not injured as a result of the collision.
He drove off without stopping and the vehicle was then detected speeding by police a short time later, about 1pm on the Eastern Freeway.
Police were unable to intercept the vehicle as it continued driving inbound on the freeway.
The stolen vehicle was later located damaged in Westerfolds Park in Templestowe on 6 July.
Nunawading Highway Patrol officers are investigating and have released an image of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
He is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid to late 20s with a beard and was wearing a beanie.
An image of a vehicle similar to the one involved has also been released in the hope someone can provide dash-cam footage of the vehicle driving on the Eastern Freeway on 6 July.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
