Victoria Police Investigate Series of Incidents Involving Teenagers and Weapons
Victoria Police are investigating several recent incidents in Melbourne involving teenagers, alleged assaults, and weapons. The events, which occurred in different suburbs, resulted in arrests in one case and ongoing searches for suspects in others.
Port Melbourne: Four Teenagers Arrested Following Alleged Chase
On Monday, April 22, Victoria Police arrested four teenagers—aged 14, 16, 16, and 16—following an incident in Port Melbourne.
Police allege that individuals exited a white Haval SUV on Lalor Street and chased two youths. Weapons, including a large knife and metal poles, were allegedly involved.
The vehicle, which police believe was stolen from Clyde North on April 18, was later detected on the Westgate Freeway. Police attempted to intercept the SUV in Carnegie. The vehicle allegedly attempted to flee before being stopped by Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) vehicles.
Occupants were removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered several hatchets, a sledgehammer, and a steel pole. CIRT vehicles sustained minor damage during the arrest. The four youths will be interviewed by detectives.
Victoria Police stated that no victims have come forward to report the incident, and there were no official reports of weapons involved prior to the arrests.
Witnesses described seeing a group wearing balaclavas and reported an attack involving a pole and a machete on Bay Street. A store owner reported that a young person entered their shop asking to hide, saying they were being chased.
Caroline Springs: Machete Attack Under Investigation
In a separate incident, police are seeking public assistance regarding an attack in Caroline Springs on December 30.
At approximately 5:40 PM, two 15-year-old brothers reported being lured to a park off Garretty Road, where they encountered a group of 11 teenagers.
The victims were reportedly attacked, with one offender observed to be armed with a machete. One brother sustained slash wounds to an arm and his back, while the other incurred facial injuries. Both were transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators have been informed that the incident stemmed from an online dispute. The individuals involved departed prior to police arrival.
Information suggests seven individuals arrived in a black Ford Ranger ute with reported false registration plates (DRY685). Police have released vision of a group of males, estimated to be 15 to 18 years of age, and are appealing for help identifying them.
St Kilda: Assault and Vehicle Attack
Police are also searching for suspects following a serious incident in St Kilda on the night of Tuesday, April 23.
Shortly after 10 PM, a grey Kia rental car was followed by a stolen white Mazda into a McDonald's drive-through on The Esplanade. The Mazda collided with the Kia.
A male exited the Mazda armed with a knife and slashed a 17-year-old male inside the Kia through an open window. The Kia departed but was pursued by the Mazda into St Leonards Avenue, a dead-end street. The occupants of the Mazda then entered the Kia.
Police allege the stolen Mazda's occupants used the Kia to run over the 17-year-old who had been slashed. Witness accounts indicate the car ran over the victim, then reversed to run over him a second time.
The 17-year-old victim was located on St Leonards Avenue with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to The Alfred hospital. The Kia was later found abandoned on Fitzroy Street. The stolen Mazda was also abandoned.
Police are searching for two men described as approximately 175cm tall and wearing dark clothing. A third male fled on foot. Law enforcement units involved in the search included the Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad, and Air Wing.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into all three incidents continue. Victoria Police have requested that anyone with information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.