In a scene that could have been pulled straight from a high-octane thriller, children on a school bus were left scrambling for safety when a Kia Optima, reportedly stolen, reversed into their vehicle near Matthew Flinders Girls’ Secondary College in Newtown. The unsettling incident unfolded in broad daylight, leaving witnesses and those involved in shock.

As the alleged series of events escalated, police officers reportedly discharged their firearms at the Kia when it appeared to accelerate towards them, eventually colliding with another vehicle. The chaos continued as a man and a woman allegedly exited the vehicle in an attempt to escape the scene on foot.

Among the witnesses was Chaz Cheatley, who found himself at a red light at the intersection of LaTrobe Terrace and Myers Street, right at the heart of the unfolding drama. “I was in disbelief,” he recounted, describing his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events.

“It was concerning, especially as the sound of gunshots echoed around,” Cheatley remarked. “The whole situation felt surreal, almost like a scene being played out in a movie, right before my eyes.”

Cheatley further described how the Kia appeared suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, with police in close pursuit, adding to the tension and urgency of the moment. The incident has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it firsthand.

Cheatley said the allegedly stolen car came “out of nowhere”, followed by police.

“They hit the traffic pole, they knocked that down, as they were trying to flee the scene they go through the intersection, and then they end up t-boning another car,” he claimed.

Armed Crime Squad detectives will investigate the incident with Professional Standards Command oversight, as is standard practice when a police firearm is discharged.

It’s alleged the Kia was stolen in NSW.

Latrobe Terrace was closed both directions between Ryrie Street and McKillop Street.

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