Wanted runaway Bourke Street driver named
Police have named the man they believe drove a car through the Bourke Street Mall sparking panic among shoppers last week, as attempts to arrest the 20-year-old enter their eighth day.
A warrant has today been issued for the arrest of Bryce O’Donnell, with police urging the man to hand himself into authorities.
Wanted man Bryce O’Donnell.Credit:Victoria Police
A police spokeswoman said investigators believe Mr O’Donnell, who is known to frequent the Ballarat area, was behind the wheel of a car when it travelled along the mall in the centre of Melbourne in an alleged attempt to evade police, about 4.55pm on January 28.
The spokeswoman said police had attempted to pull over a green Mitsubishi Lancer on Swanston Street in relation to a traffic incident, when the driver fled.
“The vehicle evaded police, and then travelled north on Swanston Street before turning down Bourke Street Mall, driving along the tram tracks before crashing into a bollard,” the spokeswoman said.
Police are looking to speak to Bryce O’Donnell over an incident in Bourke Street on January 28.Credit:Victoria Police
“A male passenger ran on foot towards Elizabeth Street and the vehicle did a U-turn back along Bourke Street towards Swanston Street.
“The vehicle was later found on Ashworth Street in Albert Park without number plates.”
Police are also yet to speak to the passenger of the car who fled on foot through city streets.
Investigators said Mr O’Donnell is described as being about 180 centimetres tall, of thin build, with brown hair and blue eyes.
Last week, Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius revealed police knew who the car’s number plates were registered to and the identity of the registered owner of the early-model Lancer.
He said the secure Albert Park car park where it was found dumped could only be accessed by fob entry.
“Either someone has let that vehicle in, or the person driving the vehicle has been able to access that car park by way of a fob,” he said.
The incident reignited community concern after two murderous attacks within the past four years claimed the lives of seven people on the same shopping strip in the heart of Melbourne.
Anyone who comes across Mr O’Donnell or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Erin covers crime for The Age. Most recently she was a police reporter at the Geelong Advertiser.