Morphettville: Residents stop would-be runaway driver after smash

Three residents have made a citizens’ arrest after a man lost control of his car and almost hit pedestrians at Morphettville in Adelaide.

The silver Honda crashed into two parked cars on Claines Avenue just after 8pm yesterday, narrowly avoiding two people walking along the footpath.

As the man behind the wheel tried to flee, three bystanders stepped in to make a citizens’ arrest.

“He got out to try and run… I have seen him try and fight him and stuff so I went over there and put him in a headlock,” witness Chris Cooks said.

The brave residents told 9News they discovered a number of knives in the man's car.

Police believe the same driver had just fled the scene of a second crime; two streets away in Na Botto Court, he allegedly tried to set alight the front fence of a home.

The 35-year-old was arrested and charged with attempted arson. He was also fined for driving without due care.

He'll remain in police custody until he faces court on Tuesday.