Tradie's escape after being thrown from work van during carjacking
A tradesman has told of his incredible escape after being thrown from his work van when a carjacker tried to steal it.
The thief is facing more than 20 charges after a five-hour crime spree across Melbourne’s south east.
Kostas Chalatsis saw a man trying to start his van and tried to wrestle him out of the driver’s seat.
In a desperate bid to get away, the thief slammed the vehicle into reverse, and Mr Chalatsis went flying out the door – and then under the wheels.
He was knocked unconscious and left lying in the driveway.
“I just saw a guy in my van trying to start it,” Mr Chalatsis explained.
“I just jumped in to stop him. He was a bit angry.”
The 40-year-old was not seriously injured in the attack.
“Just a big bump in my head which is better today and just my leg is a bit sore,” Mr Chalatsis said.
The 35-year-old assailant was charged with 22 offences including three counts of reckless conduct endangering life after his crime spree.
He was arrested in Dandenong, in Melbourne’s south east.
Mr Chalatsis says he’s thankful no-one else was injured.
“We’ll manage, it’s not a good thing but we’ll manage,” he said.
