Crash driver attempts grand theft auto

By Jessica Anstice

A man crashed a stolen Landcruiser into an embankment in Caldermeade, and then allegedly attempted to steal the vehicle of a passer-by who had stopped to help about 7am Thursday.

The 20-year-old driver veered off South Gippsland Highway and onto the flooded grass, landing the vehicle on its side facing the opposite direction.

As other cars stopped, the driver made his way out of the 4WD before attempting to steal the passer-by’s vehicle.

After driving a short distance in the passer-by’s car, he was stopped.

A few men responded by holding the driver down. At some point, one of the men was allegedly head butted to the face.

The men claimed the driver said he had no licence.

The Hastings man was arrested before taken to hospital and assisting police with their enquiries.