Man Charged After Alleged Sydney CBD Carjacking Spree
A 36-year-old man faces multiple charges after an alleged carjacking incident in Sydney's central business district that resulted in a police vehicle being rammed and a pedestrian being struck.
Johnny Jose Starri, 36, of Adelaide, appeared in a bedside court hearing on Friday, facing a series of charges stemming from an alleged rampage in Sydney's CBD on Thursday night. The incident began around 9 p.m. when police responded to reports of a carjacking at the corner of King and Pitt Street.
Authorities allege Starri approached a female driver of a Mazda sedan, stole the vehicle, and drove towards George Street. The stolen Mazda then allegedly collided with a rideshare vehicle at the intersection of George and Market Street, causing the rideshare vehicle to crash into a police car parked nearby. The Mazda continued, hitting a bollard and then striking a woman in her 50s who was walking on Market Street.
Starri, who was found to be in his underwear at the scene, was arrested and taken to St Vincent's Hospital for mandatory testing. He remains in the hospital under police guard.
He has been charged with assault with intent to take or drive a motor vehicle, negligent driving without causing death or grievous bodily harm, common assault, and destroying or damaging property. Starri was formally refused bail and is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court next Wednesday. This marks his second court appearance in three weeks, having previously faced Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on September 23 for an unrelated matter.
The female pedestrian who was struck was transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The owner of the stolen Mazda and the two occupants of the rideshare vehicle were unharmed but shaken by the event. Police stated that the alleged incident appears to be random and confirmed that Starri is known to police in South Australia.
Acting Superintendent Andy Solah described the scene near the Queen Victoria Building as "chaotic" and highlighted the good fortune that no one suffered serious injuries, given the crowded conditions and the dangerous nature of the events. Footage from the aftermath showed the intersection cordoned off, with debris scattered across the street and disruptions to light rail services. Investigations into the alleged incident are ongoing, and police are appealing for witnesses or individuals with relevant footage to contact Crime Stoppers.