MELBOURNE, Australia — Victoria Police have launched an urgent investigation after a 62-year-old woman was violently dragged from her vehicle during a daylight carjacking on the Burwood Highway. The brazen nature of the assault, occurring on one of Melbourne’s busiest arterial roads, has sparked widespread concern over the escalating frequency of violent vehicle thefts in the eastern suburbs.

The incident took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 near the intersection of Burwood Highway and Scott Street. According to investigators, the victim was stopped in traffic in her silver Toyota RAV4 when she was approached by two unidentified males.

Witnesses described a scene of "pure terror" as the suspects forced open the driver's side door. The victim was reportedly dragged from her seat and thrown onto the asphalt while the attackers jumped into the vehicle and sped off, weaving dangerously through traffic toward the city.

The 62-year-old victim was treated at the scene by paramedics for grazes and significant psychological distress but miraculously avoided life-threatening injuries.

Police are searching for two males in their late teens or early twenties, last seen wearing dark hoodies and face coverings. The stolen silver Toyota RAV4, carrying Victorian registration plates, was seen heading westbound; authorities urge the public to call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the vehicle is spotted and caution against approaching it.

Detective Inspector Sarah Collins confirmed that a forensic review of CCTV and dash cam footage from nearby businesses and motorists is underway. During a press briefing, she condemned the attack, stating, "To target a lone woman in broad daylight on a major highway is an act of cowardice."

The Burwood Highway carjacking follows a string of similar "snatch-and-run" vehicle thefts across Melbourne’s eastern corridor. Residents are being urged to keep their car doors locked even while in motion and to remain vigilant at intersections.

Victoria Police have increased patrols in the Burwood and Vermont areas as the manhunt continues. The motive appears to be a crime of opportunity, though investigators are looking into whether the suspects are linked to a similar attempted hijacking in nearby Wantirna earlier that morning.