Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have today charged a fifth man as part of their investigation into two arsons on a Chapel Street business in 2024 and 2025.
A 51-year-old St Albans man was taken into custody around 7am this morning.
He has since been charged with criminal damage by fire with a view to gain, arson - criminal damage by fire, possess anything with intent to destroy or damage property and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
The man has been charged in relation to a first arson at the address which occurred around 4am on 6 December, 2024.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 30 April.
Four men have been previously charged in relation to the investigation, including:
- A 28-year-old Newport man charged on 17 March with arson causing death, two counts of arson - criminal damage with a view to gain, arson - criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, possess anything to destroy damage or property and theft of motor vehicle.
- A 26-year-old Point Cook man charged on 17 March with arson causing death, arson - criminal damage with a view to gain, arson - criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, possess anything to destroy or damage property and theft of motor vehicle.
- A 26-year-old Altona North man charged on 11 March with arson causing death, arson - criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering Life, theft of motor vehicle and possess anything to destroy or damage property.
- A 44-year-old Fitzroy man charged on 5 March with arson causing death, arson - criminal damage by fire, possess anything with intent to destroy or damage property, reckless conduct endangering life and theft of motor vehicle.
The quartet was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 11 June.
The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to a fire at a Chapel Street store shortly after 4.15am on 15 January, 2025.
Witnesses told police two men had poured accelerant inside the premises before setting it alight.
The store sustained extensive damage during the incident, as well causing damage to surrounding businesses. Nobody else was inside the premises at the time.
The duo then fled the address in a waiting orange Holden Commodore, with one of the group visibly on fire.
The Commodore was later located dumped on Birdwood Avenue in South Yarra.
Emergency services were subsequently called to an address in Fitzroy just before 5am to reports of a man with significant burns to his body.
A 52-year-old St Albans man was conveyed to hospital where he received medical treatment for the next five months.
The man passed away in hospital on Friday, 6 June as a result of the injuries sustained during the arson attack.
