The nation has been praising Michael Rogers, now known as ‘Trolley Man’, following his heroic actions during last week’s terror attack in Melbourne’s CBD, but it has now been revealed that he is wanted by police for questioning in relation to a string of burglaries.
Rogers was hailed a hero after he bravely rushed into the scene of the Bourke Street attack and repeatedly rammed a trolley into Hassan Khalif Shire Ali who was wielding a knife and stabbed three people, killing one, during the incident.
Video footage of Roger’s pushing the trolley at Ali twice was shared widely online earning him nationwide glory and leading to the establishment of a GoFundMe page to raise cash for the homeless 46-year-old, which raked in more than $140,000.
However, according to News.com.au, it was revealed on Thursday evening that Victoria Police are now trying to locate him in relation to alleged breach of bail and burglary offences in the St Kilda and Melbourne CBD areas.
“Police are seeking the whereabouts of a 46-year-old man of no fixed address in relation to a number of recent burglaries in the Melbourne CBD and St Kilda areas and breach of bail conditions,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
The homeless hero dubbed ‘Trolley Man’ after trying to stop the Bourke St terrorist is now wanted by police for a string of robberies. pic.twitter.com/m8rhOvfUYh
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) November 15, 2018
Read more: Trolley man makes first purchase after charity money rolls in.
Following his rise to fame, it was revealed that Rogers had a criminal record, history of drug use and had been released from prison just five weeks ago for stealing a bicycle.
Australians were captivated after footage of his actions went viral online. They flooded a GoFundMe page with donations for Melbourne’s unlikely trolley hero, with the original intention to raise enough funds for Rogers to purchase a new mobile phone after his was smashed during Friday’s events.
The fund-raising campaign was set up by charity Melbourne Homeless Collective, with CEO Donna Zen describing Rogers as “an incredible, humble and beautiful person”.
Read more: Hero who rammed trolley into Melbourne terrorist recalls horrific attack.
“All funds donated to this campaign will go directly to Mr Rogers to help get him back on his feet,” the organisation’s site reads. “He’s a hero in our eyes and he can do what he feels best with any funds he receives. He risked his own life that day for nothing in return and you can’t put a price on that.”
Melbourne restaurant owner Sisto Malaspina died in the horrific attack which took place last Friday and the popular local celebrity is set to be laid to rest in a state funeral.
Malaspina, 74, was brutally killed by terrorist Ali who stabbed three people after setting a car on fire with gas bottles inside. The culprit was fatally shot by a police officer, bringing his frenzied attack to an end.