Police have released CCTV images of a person suspected of running over a man who was trying to stop his car from being stolen in Melbourne’s north-east on Saturday night.
A 68-year-old Heidelberg West resident, whom neighbours said was named George, suffered critical injuries in the incident.
Victoria Police said he underwent life-saving surgery overnight but remains in a critical condition.
“The victim has received some incredibly traumatic injuries, some life-threatening injuries,” Detective Acting Inspector Paul Lineham from the Major Crash Investigation Unit said.
“I’ve spoken to the family this morning, they are absolutely traumatised with the events that happened on Saturday night.”
Acting Inspector Paul Lineham says he has “absolutely no doubt” the woman knows she ran the victim over. (ABC News)
Victoria Police said the man was struck by his black Honda SUV as he tried to stop an unknown female from stealing the vehicle.
“Here’s a man that’s turned up — after a night out — turns up at home, walks into the sanctuary of his own house, somebody comes in steals his car,” Acting Inspector Lineham said.
“He confronts that person … and they run him over and leave him for dead.”
Police urge woman to hand herself in
In footage released by Victoria Police, a woman can be seen walking along a footpath carrying a bag on the opposite side of the street from the man’s house.
Acting Inspector Lineham said the woman was seen “loitering” around the area prior to the incident.
He said she was looking over fences and into cars for what appears to be “the perfect opportunity” to steal something.
Police say the person who allegedly stole the man’s car has not been found. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
The woman appears to be looking at her phone and pauses on the footpath for a few moments before walking towards the house.
The man’s car can be seen in the driveway with its headlights on and at least one door open.
Acting Inspector Lineham said the car was at the house for about 1 minute before it was stolen and the keys were not in the car at the time.
He appealed to the woman to hand herself in.
“Don’t wait to be arrested to decide that you’re now going to show some remorse,” he said.
“If you are truly remorseful, if you have any shred of decency at all, hand yourself in now and let yourself be known to police.”
The woman is described as approximately 40 years old, Caucasian, of slim build and with long dark hair.
At the time of the incident she was wearing a white hooded knee-length jacket, dark-coloured leggings, and white shoes.
Police have released an image of the stolen vehicle, a Black Honda CR-V which has registration number AXA625. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
“[I can] appreciate at the time when these circumstances happen there’s a certain level of panic involved, the time for panic is over,” Acting Inspector Lineham said.
He said the woman and the stolen Honda with the licence plate number AXA625 had not been found.
“If anybody knows this person or is actively assisting this person you are also committing offences as well,” he said.
Police have asked anyone with information or footage related to the incident to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives attended the scene of the incident in Heidelberg West. (ABC News)
The victim, George, was described by neighbour, Kim Tripitiris, as “an old knockabout” who was adored by the local community.
“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.”
Ms Tripitiris and her partner performed CPR on their neighbour after the incident, after they were alerted by the sounds of screaming.