20 September 2026
Police have charged three teenagers after a police officer was struck by an allegedly stolen vehicle in Ashwood in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Victoria Police say officers located the vehicle — allegedly stolen during a home invasion in Cranbourne East about half an hour earlier — in Gubbah Court just after 2am. As police moved in, the vehicle allegedly mounted the footpath and struck a female officer, throwing her several metres down the road. She was taken to hospital with what police describe as minor injuries. Two other offenders believed to have been at the scene had not been located as of police’s Saturday afternoon statement.
Community independent candidate for Ashwood, Hitendra Joshi, said the community’s thoughts are with the officer.
“Our thoughts are with the officer involved, and we’re relieved she wasn’t seriously hurt,” Mr Joshi said. “But it’s frightening how easily this could have ended in tragedy, and it’s a reminder that community safety has to be front and centre this election.”
“Victoria’s car theft rate rose 25 per cent last year while every other mainland state went down, and Melbourne is carrying the brunt of it. That won’t be fixed by tough talk alone.”
“We need a visible, well-resourced local police presence, but we also need genuine early-intervention support so kids don’t end up in the back of a divvy van in the first place. Those two things have to work together, not compete for funding.”
“If elected, I’ll push for law enforcement and early-intervention services to be properly coordinated in our community, and for real consultation with local police and residents on what will actually keep Ashwood safe.”
Joshi for Ashwood urges anyone with information about the two outstanding offenders to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media contact: Gregory Storer, Campaign Manager, [email protected]