Uber Eats driver foils would-be carjacker on crime spree

Residents of a Perth suburb are being hailed heroes after a dramatic citizen arrest stopped an alleged violent carjacker in his tracks.

A 17-year-old boy was allegedly seen in the backyard of a home on Dyson Court in Camillo. Before he was caught, he could be seen jumping over fences and roofs to escape.

Police say the boy then attempted to steal several cars, driving down Westfield Road.

Nibu Antony, who was on a delivery for Uber Eats and had his car unlocked, said the teenager opened his door and tried to steal his keys.

After failing to nab his keys, Mr Antony said the teen made off with a mobile phone in his car.

That's when near-by residents hear the commotion and rush out to help.

A local ex-police officer chased the teenager, pinning him to the ground while they waited for police.

"I just yelled out, "get down", then he got down on the ground. I tackled him down further, rolled him onto his chest and held him in position," he told 9News.

The boy escaped, running to the nearby childcare centre where he allegedly jumped onto the roof in a last ditch effort to escape police.

He was arrested a short time later and charged with trespass and aggravated robbery.

Today, the 40-year-old victim is recovering from several blows to the head.

He was left with several cuts to the face, needing two stitches in his lip.

The uber driver says he won't be returning to the job and has a message for other drivers out there.

"Always keep the doors and windows closed when driving. I say that now after my experience," he said.