Beloved Heidelberg West Resident Fights for Life After Violent Carjacking
A 68-year-old Heidelberg West man is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by his own vehicle during an attempted theft. Police are searching for the offender who fled the scene in the stolen car.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit are investigating after a 68-year-old man was left with life-threatening injuries while trying to stop his car from being stolen in Melbourne's north-east.
Emergency services were called to Blackwood Parade in Heidelberg West around 7:30pm on Saturday, following reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Police believe the resident was attempting to halt an unknown offender from stealing his car when he was hit.
The victim, identified by neighbours as George, was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. The thief fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, and police are yet to make any arrests.
Neighbours Rush to Help
Local resident Kim Tripitiris recounted the horrifying moments following the incident. After hearing a woman screaming, she ran outside to find George severely injured in his driveway.
Alongside her partner, Ms Tripitiris performed CPR in a desperate bid to keep him alive.
"He was lying there for 30 minutes before police were even called," Ms Tripitiris said.
"His mouth was full of blood … it was really horrible, and I wish I'll never see anything like that ever again; it's going to haunt me for a while."
Ms Tripitiris became emotional as she recalled waiting for paramedics to arrive at the scene.
"He did pass away for a couple minutes, and my partner started pumping his chest," she said.
"He came back, thank god. Then the ambulance came, but it just seemed like forever; it really did."
A Beloved Local Figure
Ms Tripitiris spoke highly of her neighbour, describing him as "an old knockabout" who was well-liked in the area.
"We love George around here, he's very important to us," she said.
"He loved his cars … he was just a lovely down-to-earth guy, and no one deserves this."
The investigation into the incident remains active. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the event, or who has dash-cam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.