UPDATE: A man has been charged with over 60 offenses following a chaotic high-speed chase across Melbourne that left multiple vehicles damaged and the public at risk. Aleksander Misovic, 36, appeared in court via video link from his hospital bed, where he is recovering from serious injuries sustained during the pursuit on July 11, 2023.
Authorities confirmed that Misovic allegedly stole a van and fled from police, leading to a reckless driving spree that lasted nearly two hours. The magistrate, Michelle Mykytowcyz, stated Misovic had effectively “weaponised” the vehicle, describing his actions as “one of the most serious examples of this sort of driving” she had encountered.
The chase began around 9:20 AM when police located the stolen van in Sunshine. Police tracked the vehicle using the owner’s laptop left inside it. As officers attempted to stop Misovic, he fled at high speeds, reportedly reaching up to 150 km/h while weaving through traffic, running red lights, and endangering pedestrians.
During the pursuit, Misovic collided with numerous vehicles, including a police car, and struck 16 cars in Southbank alone. The chaos escalated when he drove down the Monash Freeway, where emergency services feared the worst as he narrowly missed injuring innocent motorists, including a woman with a child in a pram.
At the end of the chase in Point Cook, Misovic allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle, which subsequently crashed, resulting in a broken femur and hip. He was arrested shortly after 1:10 PM. Misovic’s defense attorney argued for bail, citing his inability to drive due to injuries. However, Magistrate Mykytowcyz denied bail, highlighting the serious nature of the offense and Misovic’s extensive criminal history, which includes multiple counts of dangerous driving and bail violations.
Detective Senior Constable Tyler Sherlock from Victoria Police revealed that Misovic had committed a burglary hours before the incident, stealing the van while its owner cleaned nearby. Misovic had only been released from prison three weeks prior to this incident and was on bail for unrelated offenses at the time, including two that specifically prohibited him from driving.
This alarming incident raises significant concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current bail conditions for repeat offenders. The court noted the strong prosecution case against Misovic, who faces a likely lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Misovic’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 7, 2023, where further developments are expected. As this story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by reckless drivers on our roads.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, and community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Stay tuned for more updates as this case progresses.
