By CASEY NEILL
A HILUX stolen from a Dandenong disability service has turned up at a Tynong armed burglary.
Thieves ransacked Gateway Industries on Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 April and stole the vehicle.
Cardinia CIU Detective Senior Constable Lisa Mitchell said police recovered it on Thursday 28 April – following a pursuit through Pakenham and Berwick.
The driver, a 27-year-old Hampton Park man, allegedly stole a mower on a trailer from Johnston Court in Dandenong that morning.
The Hilux and the trailer were then spotted at a Tynong address about 10am.
Det Sen Const Mitchell said the driver was interrupted during a burglary and produced a long-arm firearm before fleeing.
Police caught up to him on the Princes Highway in Pakenham and again followed him in Berwick, where they say he rammed two stationary vehicles at the lights at O’Shea and Clyde roads.
The collision caused the trailer’s tyres to explode but the driver continued to drive on the wheel rims.
Det Sen Const Mitchell said witnesses saw him abandon the vehicle on Thompsons Road and run into a nearby paddock.
Police gave chase and arrested him a short time later.
He was interviewed, remanded overnight and further remanded on Friday 29 April to face charges over the incidents.
Det Sen Const Mitchell said police had not yet established whether the driver had stolen the vehicle from Gateway and said it was currently being processed.
She appealed for information about a grey Holden Colorado, with registration plate ZHT 374, stolen from the Tynong address.
She said a second man went into the property’s garage after the Hilux departed, stole the Colorado and fled.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.
