A Bandidos bikie has been charged over a tobacco store firebombing in Melton that left an alleged participant critically injured, following police raids in Victoria.
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad executed a series of warrants at the outlaw motorcycle gang’s clubhouse on the outskirts of Ballarat on Friday.
The operation related to the blaze at The Boss tobacconist in Melton, on the outskirts of Melbourne, on September 3. CCTV allegedly showed two men leaving a white vehicle carrying jerry cans before flames engulfed them.
One man, who was still on fire, reportedly climbed back into the ute before falling on to the road as it drove away. He was left behind, with burnt clothing and a single Nike shoe found in the car park.
The 23-year-old was flown to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition on Friday with significant injuries.
A 32-year-old man from Delacombe, who is also a patched member of the Bandidos, was arrested during Friday’s raids along with a 42-year-old man from Melton.
The arrests followed another suspicious fire before dawn at a shop in Taylors Lakes. Police allege the two men were detained after a pursuit through several suburbs in Melbourne’s west, ending when the vehicle was abandoned in Brookfield.
The pair fled on foot but were arrested nearby shortly afterwards. The 42-year-old was interviewed and released pending a summons.
The 32-year-old has been charged with recklessly causing serious injury, aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct and destruction of evidence. He also faces allegations of dangerous driving and possessing a firearm and methylamphetamine in connection with the pursuit.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in December.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the Melton fire had caused more than property damage.
“It has also had an enormous impact on one of the people involved, who remains in hospital and will never be the same again,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“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.”
