A man who allegedly attempted a carjacking in Sydney's inner-west was thwarted when he realised he couldn't drive the vehicle because it was a manual.
A 47-year-old woman was in her car at traffic lights in Ashfield on Monday afternoon when the man allegedly opened the door, pulled on her arm and ordered her to get out.
As she got out, the man got into the driver's seat and attempted to drive off but was flummoxed by the manual gear stick and clutch, according to NSW Police.
The man allegedly grabbed the woman's purse from the vehicle and fled the scene at the intersection of Norton and Holden Streets.
The woman reported the matter to police at Ashfield Local Area Command.
Ashfield police were later contacted by police from the Sydney City Local Area Command, who had arrested a 41-year-old man for unrelated matters.
During a search of the man, they allegedly found the woman's purse containing her credit cards and identification.
The man was charged with robbery and assault with intent to take and drive a vehicle.
He was refused bail and will appear at Central Local Court on Tuesday.
