A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a car fire that occurred on Christmas morning in St Kilda East, Melbourne. The vehicle, displaying a "Happy Chanukah" sign, was set alight in the driveway of a residence.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on December 25, between approximately 2:50 AM and 3:00 AM. A silver sedan, which was unoccupied, caught fire in the driveway of a property located on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East, an area within Melbourne's south-east. The vehicle featured a "Happy Chanukah" sign on its roof.
According to Rabbi Effy Block from the Chabad of St Kilda, the car belonged to a friend who is also a rabbi. As a precautionary measure, a woman and three children residing in the house were evacuated. No physical injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday, December 26, detectives arrested 47-year-old John Argento on Victoria Street in Richmond at approximately 9:00 AM in connection with the car fire.
The individual faces multiple charges, including:
- Six counts of criminal damage by fire
- Six counts of shop theft
- Three counts of obtaining property by deception
- Two counts of attempted theft from a motor vehicle
- Theft from a motor vehicle
- Burglary
He was scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, December 26.
Community and Official Statements
Following the incident, Naomi Levin, Chief Executive of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, issued a statement. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also released an online statement, confirming she had been briefed by police regarding the incident and acknowledging community concerns.