An AFL coach has been involved in a dramatic citizen’s arrest after an apparently stolen car flipped onto its side in a busy Melbourne suburb.

Victoria Police say the teenage driver and a friend ran from the car after the crash outside the Barton Milk Bar in Hawthorn, in Melbourne’s inner east, on Tuesday morning.

One of the teens was apparently tackled by Carlton coach Michael Voss, who saw the crash while picking up his morning coffee.

“There was a couple of young hoons who had stolen, allegedly, a sports Mercedes that came round the corner and clipped the roundabout there and it’s ended up on its side on the footpath in between some trees,” caller Damien told Melbourne’s 3AW radio on Tuesday.

“The guys took off, and [Michael Voss] was having a coffee there … Vossy and the owner of Bartons took off after the guys and allegedly they’ve caught the guys.”

 

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Voss, who was a triple premiership captain with the Brisbane Lions, confirmed the story.

“It was a bit of action… I was hoping to be on a couple of days break but it’s all good here,” he told the Nine Network.

“I have spoken to the police, but everyone is safe and healthy and that is all that matters.

“Hopefully it will get dealt with quickly.”

Victoria Police confirmed one of the runaways had been tackled by a member of the public. A 16-year-old from Mooroopna, in central Victoria, was taken into custody.

Police are still looking for the second male offender. He is described as having a fair complexion, long blond hair and wearing a black cap, black and white scarf, black hoodie and black pants.

More details…

Michael Voss & James Laskie (the cafe owner) chased the two offenders, both jumping over bins en route to a back alleyway then an outside laundry with clothes line.

The first offender climbed over the fence, but Voss dragged the second one back down & held him…… https://t.co/EP4k5JNt6h

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 27, 2024

Voss, who will coach Carlton in an elimination final against his old team Brisbane on September 7, was being lauded online on Tuesday.

“Vossy fighting crime, even when he’s left his cape at home,” wrote one X user.

On Instagram, another said: “49 year old retired athlete runs down two teen criminals. What a legend!”

Another Instagram fan said Voss was a “fearless leader, doing the most”.

The whole scene was also witnessed by crowds of onlookers and children heading to schools nearby.

Jackie Hobbs, who was among those picking up a morning coffee, said she had seen the “car fly past and hit a tree”.

“Any number of kids could have gotten hurt because they walk that way every day,” she told Nine.

Police said the Mercedes had been stolen from a house in Ivanhoe East on August 21.

Their investigation continues.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam or CCTV footage, are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.