A Prahran Police investigation into last weekend's hoon meet on Chapel Street continues to progress quickly, with a suspended P-plater accused of doing a burnout within metres of onlookers arrested today.
This arrest marks the latest response by police to the gathering which attracted around 600 vehicles, with 10 defect notices issued and two vehicle impounds carried out in connection to the incident.
Following a review of CCTV and mobile phone vision, police arrested a 21-year-old man at a home on Freesia Circuit, Wallan, about 6am today.
It will be alleged the man performed a burnout along the entertainment strip in a vehicle with cloned plates, that came dangerously close to pedestrians.
He was charged with several offences, including:
- Reckless conduct endangering serious injury
- Dangerous driving
- Careless driving
- Driving whilst suspended
- Failing to display P-plates
- Improper use of a motor vehicle - loss of traction
- Improper use of a motor vehicle - unnecessary noise and smoke
- Display false registration plate
- Handle stolen goods.
Police also seized a mobile phone from the Wallan address, and a credit card and license that were not in the man's name, during a search at a home in Ilani Street, Epping.
He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 9 October.
Victoria Police's investigation into Saturday night's hoon meet, which attracted high risk driving and a significant number of illegally modified vehicles, remains ongoing, with further arrests and vehicle impounds expected.
While there is no intelligence to suggest a repeat this weekend, additional police will be allocated on and near Chapel Street tomorrow night and next Saturday night.
These officers will be in the area to deter any large gatherings of vehicles, maintain public order and ensure patrons, traders and residents remain safe.
In addition to today's arrest, other enforcement undertaken to date includes:
- 14 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for hooning activity, such as driving a defective vehicle, using a mobile phone whilst driving, unlicensed driving, speeding, and running a red light.
- 10 defect notices were handed to drivers with illegally modified vehicles, while 25 others were handed EPA defect notices for excessively noisy cars.
- 2 impounded vehicles. A 21-year-old P-plater from Craigieburn also had his defective 2010 Holden SS Commodore station wagon impounded on Saturday night, after being intercepted at Station Pier, enroute to the hoon meet up on Chapel Street.
- 3 drink or drug drivers were caught on the night. This includes a man who allegedly returned a positive breath test of 0.161 - more than three times the legal limit. He is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving. Another driver allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine. He was issued with a penalty notice and his license was suspended for six months.
Anyone who witnessed dangerous driving behaviour last weekend, has footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Stonnington Local Area Commander Inspector Georgie Swinton:
"This arrest sends a clear message to hoons that there are serious repercussions associated with putting others at risk on our roads.
"It is incredibly lucky that no one was injured; it takes a split second for a bit of fun to turn to tragedy, and that tragedy is absolutely avoidable.
"Illegally modified vehicles are against the law for a reason; they do not comply with safety regulations, and are a danger not only to other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, but also to those inside the car.
"Save your money: don't illegally modify your vehicle, as it will cost you a lot more in the future when you get caught.
"If you do want to make alterations to your car for any reason, just do it within the parameters of the law. Make better decisions."
