Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have today charged a sixth man as part of their investigation into two arsons on a Chapel Street business in 2024 and 2025.
A 27-year-old Altona North man was taken into custody this morning.
He has since been charged with arson causing death, two counts of criminal damage by fire with a view to gain, two counts of arson - criminal damage by fire and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court later today.
The 27-year-old was previously arrested on 11 March but released pending further enquiries.
The charges relate to two arson attacks at the Chapel Street address which occurred around 4am on 6 December, 2024 and around 4.15am on 15 January, 2025.
Five men have previously been charged in relation to the investigation, including:
- A 51-year-old St Albans man charged on 24 March 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.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 30 April.
- 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.
Their 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.
