A man has been charged following his arrest in the Ballarat area yesterday as part of the Arson and Explosives Squad investigation into several fires including one at a Melton store earlier this month that left a man with life threatening injuries.
Warrants were executed yesterday morning with assistance from Taskforce Echo and Ballarat local units at the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) clubhouse in Delacombe, as well as three residential properties in Delacombe, Guildford and Fraser Rise.
A 32-year-old Delacombe man, who is also a patched member of the Bandidos OMCG, was arrested along with a 42-year-old Melton man.
The arrests follow an alleged suspicious fire at a shop in Taylors Lakes yesterday morning.
Emergency services were called to reports the business on Melton Highway had been set alight about 4.25am on 11 September.
No one was inside the premises at the time of the incident.
Police arrested the two men following a pursuit through multiple suburbs in Melbourne's west, eventually dumping their vehicle in Brookfield.
They fled on foot and were arrested nearby a short time later.
The 42-year-old Melton man was interviewed and released pending summons.
Police allege the 32-year-old man was also involved in a deliberately lit fire at a Melton store on 3 September.
Emergency services were initially called shortly after 2.50am to reports a store near the corner of High and Alexandra streets in Melton was on fire.
A man with significant burns was located nearby and was subsequently airlifted to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition with significant injuries.
Luckily no one was in the store at the time.
The 32-year-old Delacombe man has been charged with the following offences, related to Melton fire on 3 September:
- recklessly cause serious injury
- aggravated burglary
- criminal damage by fire
- reckless conduct endanger life
- destruction of evidence
He was remanded to appear in court at a later date.
Detectives will also look at whether both the Melton and Taylors Lakes fires are connected to any other similar incidents.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:
"These arrests and charges are a direct result of additional pro-active patrols in and around the Western suburbs targeting tobacco related arson offending.
"Since this fire occurred, police have worked tirelessly to identify those involved at every level so we can ultimately put them before the court.
"This fire didn't just damage the property - it has also had an enormous impact on one of the people involved, who remains in hospital and l will never be the same again.
"Should the individual who suffered significant burns succumb to his injuries, we intend to hold those who planned and assisted with the arson, personally responsible.
"Again, this offending comes with enormous risk and let me assure you, that risk just absolutely is not worth it.
"We will continue to investigate the circumstances of this fire, including anyone who may have directed it and the reasons why. If you have any information about this, I urge you to come forward and speak to police."
