Man Allegedly Rams Police Car, Damages Petrol Station in Hawthorn East Rampage – February 25, 2025

Incident Overview
A chaotic incident unfolded in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, during the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2025 , when a white BMW allegedly rammed a police vehicle and caused significant damage to a 7-Eleven petrol station. The incident began when police on patrol spotted the BMW, which had allegedly stolen number plates, parked outside the petrol station on Toorak Road at approximately 12:30 am . The male driver reportedly attempted to flee upon noticing the officers, but the car became lodged between a bollard and the front of the store. During the ensuing confrontation, the driver allegedly reversed the BMW multiple times, ramming the police vehicle before being subdued. Both the driver, a 43-year-old man, and his passenger, a 31-year-old woman, were arrested and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No charges have been laid yet, and investigations are ongoing.

Location and Time
The incident occurred at a 7-Eleven petrol station on Toorak Road in Hawthorn East, a suburb in Melbourne’s east. It took place at approximately 12:30 am on Wednesday, February 25, 2025 , during the early morning hours.

Vehicles Involved

• A white BMW with allegedly stolen number plates, driven by the 43-year-old suspect.
• A police vehicle that was rammed multiple times during the altercation.

The BMW sustained significant damage after becoming stuck between a bollard and the front of the petrol station. Four bollards were ripped out of the concrete during the incident, and the front of the 7-Eleven sustained structural damage.

Crash Description
Police on patrol noticed the suspicious white BMW parked outside the 7-Eleven on Toorak Road. When the male driver realized he had been spotted, he returned to the vehicle and attempted to flee. However, the BMW became wedged between a bollard and the front of the petrol station. Officers positioned their police vehicle behind the BMW to prevent escape.

It is alleged that the driver then reversed the BMW multiple times, deliberately ramming the police car in an attempt to break free. Police eventually pushed the BMW forward to stop further incidents. The force of the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, as well as to the petrol station’s structure. Four bollards were torn from the ground, and debris littered the scene.

The shop attendant on duty acted swiftly, shutting off the fuel pumps out of concern that the BMW might crash into them and cause a fire or explosion. Fortunately, no fuel-related incidents occurred, and the officers involved were unharmed.

Injuries/Fatalities

• The 43-year-old male driver and his 31-year-old female passenger were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
• No police officers or civilians were injured during the incident.

Emergency Response
Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded promptly to the scene. Paramedics assessed and treated the driver and passenger for minor injuries before transporting them to the hospital. Police secured the area and conducted a thorough investigation, examining the damaged vehicles, bollards, and petrol station.

The BMW was seized as evidence, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol station and surrounding areas. Authorities are also appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to assist in piecing together the events leading up to the incident.

Community Impact
The incident has left the Hawthorn East community shaken, particularly given the brazen nature of the alleged rampage. Residents expressed relief that no one was seriously injured, but concerns remain about the safety of petrol stations and other public spaces in the area.

The shop attendant recounted the harrowing moments when he shut off the fuel pumps, fearing the worst. “I just wanted to make sure nothing worse happened,” he told 7NEWS. His quick thinking likely prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Community members are calling for increased security measures at petrol stations and stricter enforcement of laws regarding stolen vehicles. The incident highlights the dangers posed by reckless driving and the potential for escalation when individuals attempt to evade law enforcement.

Investigation
Victoria Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, focusing on several key areas:

• The circumstances leading up to the crash, including why the BMW had allegedly stolen number plates.
• The actions of the driver during the confrontation with police, including the repeated ramming of the police vehicle.
• Potential contributing factors such as intoxication, distraction, or intent to evade authorities.

Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au .

Contributing Factors
While the investigation is ongoing, potential contributing factors include:

• Driver intent to evade police, possibly due to the presence of stolen number plates.
• Possible impairment or erratic behavior affecting the driver’s decision-making.
• Road conditions or spatial constraints at the petrol station that may have contributed to the BMW becoming lodged.