A man who allegedly stabbed another man, pulled a knife on police, stole a patrol car and drove dangerously during a pursuit in Melbourne's north has been remanded in custody.
Elias Natano, 27, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today charged with more than 40 offences, including attempted murder, after Saturday's alleged rampage.
Mr Natano's lawyer, Chen Yang, told the court that his client was withdrawing from drugs and alcohol and needed to be assessed by a medical professional.
"There are some mental health issues that need to be explored — this is the first time in custody for Mr Natano," he said.
Police said the alleged rampage began after two men got into a fight at Kalkallo, north of Melbourne, about 10:00pm on Saturday.
A 26-year-old man was stabbed and hit by a car, causing him to suffer life-threatening injuries.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and underwent surgery on Sunday.
Police said the man then fled the scene and returned to his Mickleham home to find officers waiting for him.
"He left the scene very quickly with police in pursuit," Superintendent Nigel Howard said on Sunday.
Police alleged Mr Natano lost control of his car while travelling along Mickleham Road and crashed into the wire barriers.
It was on the roadside that police alleged he took out a knife and stole the highway patrol car that had been chasing him.
The officers drew their guns but did not fire any shots.
Police say Mr Natano then crashed the police car into three other vehicles in Campbellfield and waved a knife at members of the public before he was eventually arrested.
