Aussie man arrested after morning of chaos on Bali streets from alleged carjacking, crashing into two people and lighting vehicle on fire
The man, who was born in Hobart and is being referred to by the initial RWJ, allegedly stole a vehicle and crashed into two people at high speed, before setting the car alight.
According to police, the carjacking victim, a Balinese man, was parking outside the villa Eden Residence At The Sea in Seminyak about 12.30am on Sunday when the man began pounding on the window.
The Australian then allegedly forced the driver out of his vehicle, before stealing it and crashing into two people.
The extent of the injuries is not yet known.
The victim then called a security guard and attempted to chase the vehicle, but was quickly forced to halt the pursuit due to the dangerous speed of the man.
Police say the man then tried to locate the vehicle using a phone tracking app.
His phone which was still in the car, pinged at a location about 7km away on Buana Raya Street.
However, when a search proved unsuccessful, he reported the incident to police.
Shortly after, Denpasar Fire Brigade received a report of a car fire in the same area, completely engulfed in flames.
Two fire crews worked to bring the flames under control at about 5.30am.
No one was hurt in the fire, but, the vehicle – a Toyota Avanza SUV – was completely destroyed with a loss estimated at $A14,200.
A nearby home also sustained minor damage from the blaze.
The suspect was arrested and taken to North Kuta Police Station.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
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