Man, 26, arrested after allegedly trying to set car alight

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Melbourne, after allegedly dousing his car with petrol before throwing fireworks inside to set it alight.

The man was filmed on CCTV arriving in a black Holden Commodore at the Braeside service station, on Boundary Road, around 5.30am on Wednesday.

He was caught filling the car with fuel before allegedly lighting a number of fireworks and throwing them into the car, 9 News reports.

Emergency services were called to the service station, which was shut down for more than three hours as detectives searched the car

Emergency services were called to the service station, which was shut down for more than three hours as detectives searched the car.

The man had fled the scene with his dog and was later spotted allegedly driving a stolen car in Mordialloc, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.   

‘The 26-year-old Frankston man was arrested by police shortly after on Chute Street and is assisting with their enquiries,’ police said.

Shirtless and in handcuffs, the man was taken to Moorabbin Court where he was charged with 16 offences including theft of a motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life and use of unauthorised explosives. 

While the car did not catch fire, the noise of the exploding fireworks caused many neighbours to believe they were gunshots.

While the car did not catch fire, the noise of the exploding fireworks (pictured) caused many neighbours to believe they were gunshots

‘We weren’t sure what it was – gunshots or what – but it was loud and concerning at that hour of the morning,’ neighbour Ricci Trower told 9 News. 

Another resident, Marius Bryck, described the arrest as ‘manic’.

‘He was screaming and shouting and ran away before police caught him before,’ he said.  

The 26-year-old reportedly made no application for bail and admitted to coming off a drug dependence, before apologising profusely to the court.