Dimitrious “Jimmy” Gargasoulas, has been identified as the driver of a maroon car that mowed down dozens of people in Melbourne’s main shopping strip.
He deliberately drove at pedestrians killing four people including a child and about 25 more were injured, four of them critically.
He is said to have lived with his mum in a public housing flat where he allegedly stabbed his brother Angelo earlier before the driving rampage.
The maroon car was owned by a neighbour Gavin Wilson, 76, who described Mr Gargasoulas as a “nice kid”.
However, Mr Wilson told the Melbourne newspaper that Mr Gargasoulas became violent the day of the incidend
He allegedly entered his flat with a Bible, burning it before throwing the book into Mr Wilson’s face and punched the elderly man.
The Age said Mr Gargasoulas allegedly demanded: “Give me your keys or I’ll gouge your eyes out”.
Neighbours are then said to have heard screaming outside the flats, saying Mr Gargasoulas was allegedly hacking at a someone with a knife.
Victoria Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the driver had no links to terrorism but was well-known to police and had an extensive history of family violence.
“He has come to our attention on many occasions in the past,” Mr Ashton said.
“That is mainly linked to drug issues and mental health problems.
“He also came into our attention in recent days in relation to assaults and was charged by us last weekend.”
He was reportedly on bail after being charged with family violence offences.
Police had chased him in the maroon car after he allegedly took a woman hostage.
She escaped on the city’s Bolte Bridge.
The police pursuit was called when it entered the Melbourne CBD over fears for public safety.
The drama then began as the maroon car was seen doing donuts in the intersection outside the city’s main train station, Flinders Street.
Victoria Police said the suspect was shot by police before being arrested and was being treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Source: Mirror
