Disgraced former footy star is charged over violent Christmas Eve car chase with gun shots fired

A former footy 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 on Friday in relation to a number of offences, ranging from drugs to firearm charges, after the alleged theft of a vehicle which police say was used in a violent car chase where shots were fired.

Connors played for the Tigers from 2007 to 2012 before he was sacked due to a sleeping pill scandal. He was repeatedly warned over his behaviour during his time at the AFL club. 

Former footy star Daniel Connors has been charged over an alleged car chase in Melbourne

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He did not apply for bail and is expected to remain behind bars until his next court appearance in March. 

‘The former footy 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 over an alleged violent car chase on Christmas Eve, during which it’s claimed shots were fired from one car to another.

The ex-Richmond star has been denied bail after being hit with varying charges on Friday

Police arrested Connors as part of a gang crime squad investigation, with raids conducted on a number of addresses across Melbourne. 

It has been alleged that a stolen Toyota Rav4 was used in pursuit of a Volkswagen through Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Dashcam footage showed the vehicle run a red light and go onto the wrong side of the road. 

‘It appears an occupant of the Toyota fires several shots in the direction of the Volkswagen, which is later located on 31 December with a shattered rear windscreen which police believe is gunshot damage,’ Victoria Police said in a statement. 

He was allegedly involved in a car chase in which gunshots 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 going about their morning is concerning,’ Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan, from the Echo Taskforce, added.

‘We believe this was a targeted attack, but the danger it poses to the community is immense and we are lucky that other people were not seriously injured.’

Police are appealing for any 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 at the club. He was convicted in 2016 of a violent pub attack in which he left a man with a severed tendon in his hand.