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AAP
AAP
National
Rachael Ward

Car theft suspect 'tried to flee crash by hailing Uber'

Police say a suspected car thief tried to flee in an Uber after crashing a car in Melbourne. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

A suspected car thief is accused of trying to escape in an Uber after smashing a stolen vehicle in suburban Melbourne.

A witness told police they saw a fast-moving car crash into another at a major intersection in Clayton before midnight on Tuesday before the driver fled.

A man was then seen running along Blackburn Road moments before a rideshare car left a nearby hotel.

The passenger in the back then got out and tried to flee as police stopped the vehicle.

They chased after him for a short distance and a Ferntree Gully man, 31, was arrested.

Officers later charged the man with a total of 11 offences including stealing a car, driving unlicensed, dangerous driving, careless driving, possessing methylamphetamine and breaching bail conditions.

Police said the dumped car involved in the crash was stolen.

Two people inside the other vehicle were taken to hospital.

The 31-year-old man is due to front Moorabbin Magistrates Court on January 18.

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