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The disgraced former football star is charged with an alleged Christmas Eve car chase in which he claims “shots were fired” 10 years after he was fired by Richmond
- A former soccer star has been charged in a violent car chase on Christmas Eve
- Daniel Connors was indicted on drug and firearms charges and denied bail on Friday
- He was allegedly involved in a car chase where shots were fired
A former soccer prodigy has been charged after he was allegedly involved in a violent car chase in Melbourne on Christmas Eve.
Daniel Connors, 34, appeared in court Friday in connection with a series of offences, ranging from drugs to firearms charges, following the alleged theft of a vehicle police say was used in a violent chase in which there were shots.
Connors played for the Tigers from 2007 to 2012 before being fired due to a sleeping pill scandal. He was repeatedly warned about his behavior during his time with the AFL club.
Former soccer star Daniel Connors has been charged with an alleged car chase in Melbourne
He did not request bail and is expected to remain behind bars until his next court appearance in March.
“The former soccer star was arrested in Geelong yesterday (Thursday) by members of the SOG (Special Operations Group),” 7NEWS reporter Cassie Zervos revealed.
Seven reported that Connors was one of three men wanted for an alleged violent car chase on Christmas Eve, during which it is claimed there was gunfire from one car to another.
The former Richmond star has been denied bail after being hit with various charges on Friday.
Police arrested Connors as part of a gang crime squad investigation, with raids carried out at several addresses in Melbourne.
It has been alleged that a stolen Toyota Rav4 was used in the pursuit of a Volkswagen through Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Dashcam footage showed the vehicle ran a red light and headed onto the wrong side of the road.
“It appears that an occupant of the Toyota fired several shots in the direction of the Volkswagen, which was later found on 31 December with a shattered rear windscreen which police believe to be bullet damage,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
He was allegedly involved in a car chase in which shots were fired on Christmas Eve
“These are rare incidents, but any indiscriminate use of a firearm and dangerous driving in the presence of innocent civilians spending the morning is concerning,” added Acting Detective Ash Ryan of the Echo Taskforce.
“We believe it was a targeted attack, but the danger it poses to the community is immense and we’re lucky no other people were seriously injured.”
Police are requesting witnesses to the car chase as they continue their investigation.
The 34-year-old played just 29 games for the Tigers during his six-year stint with the club. He was convicted in 2016 of a violent attack at a pub in which he left a man with a severed tendon in his hand.