Melbourne Divisional Response Unit detectives charged a teenager and are searching for two others following a number of alleged robberies, armed robberies and assaults in Melbourne's CBD last month.
Investigators have linked incidents which occurred at numerous streets and locations in the CBD between 5pm and 6.30pm and involved the same three males on Saturday, 10 May.
The trio were seen boarding a train from Deer Park Railway Station heading to Melbourne about 3pm.
It is alleged the four incidents were:
- the trio allegedly approached a 29-year-old Melbourne man on Lonsdale Street about 5pm, assaulting him and stealing his clothing. He sustained minor injuries.
- the trio approached two teenage boys before allegedly producing a kitchen knife and making demands for their shoes and mobile phones about 5.20pm. The boys were not physically injured.
- the trio then entered a sports store on Lonsdale Street, allegedly grabbing numerous items before attempting to leave the store when they were approached by two staff members about 5.55pm. A 20-year-old Heidelberg Heights man and a 21-year-old Coburg man both received injuries.
- the trio entered another sports store on Elizabeth Street about 6.10pm and allegedly threatened a 19-year-old Noble Park man with a kitchen knife, making demands for his clothing. A 17-year-old Clayton South teen intervened and both teens were assaulted sustaining minor injuries.
Two of the three offenders fled the scene on foot and remain outstanding.
A 17-year-old Brimbank boy was arrested a short time later in Elizabeth Street.
He was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of theft, attempted armed robbery and assault-related offences. charges as well as a robbery from an unrelated incident in Melbourne CBD on 9 May.
He was bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
Investigators are appealing for public assistance to locate two other males believed to be aged in their teens who may be able to assist with their enquires.
The first male offender is perceived to be middle eastern in appearance with black hair, a thin black moustache, wearing black and grey Nike tech fleece track pants, black jumper and a black backpack.
The second offender is described as having a sparce black moustache and/or facial hair, black and grey hooded zip-up jacket, black pants and shoes and a black Nike backpack.
Detectives are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone that may have been in the area at the time.
Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents or with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
