Geelong man arrested after Ballarat property fire and police crash
A 54-year-old Geelong man was charged after setting fire to a property then crashing a stolen vehicle into a police car.
A man is accused of setting fire to an unoccupied property on Barkers Lane, Elaine, near Ballarat on Tuesday afternoon. Police say he then stole a Ford Everest from a neighbouring property and drove away.
Officers spotted the stolen vehicle on Norman Street in Wendouree and tried to intercept it. The Ford collided with a responding police car in Roger Court nearby.
The 54-year-old Geelong man was arrested. He was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage by fire.
He was also charged with reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving and theft. He was remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates' Court on 15 October 2026.
- 54
- Age
- Barkers Lane, Elaine and Wendouree
- Location
- Tuesday, September 15
- Date
- Ford Everest
- Vehicle
Why it mattersThe incident shows how a property crime escalated into a dangerous police pursuit and collision. This put officers and the public at risk.
AustraliaThis incident highlights ongoing property crime and vehicle theft in regional Victoria, affecting rural communities near Ballarat and police resources.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 6 d ago
