Teen Gang Nabbed After Sports Store Heist and Car Chase
Eight teenagers have been arrested by detectives from the Westgate Alliance Taskforce following a theft at a Maribyrnong shopping centre. The group, comprised of teenage girls, allegedly stole over $5000 worth of merchandise from a sports store on Rosamund Road before fleeing the scene around noon yesterday.
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The teenagers reportedly escaped in a Kia Sorento, believed to have been stolen earlier in an aggravated burglary in Truganina on 5th January. Police officers traced the vehicle on Geelong Road in Footscray and tracked it until the Air Wing unit could take over.
The suspects allegedly drove into oncoming traffic before stop sticks were successfully used on Mt Derrimut Road. The vehicle came to a halt on Boundary Road in Truganina, and eight teens exited the car and allegedly attempted to flee. Police officers, guided by the Air Wing unit, apprehended the majority of the group swiftly, with the last few found nearby.
The vehicle, along with the stolen goods from the sports store, was seized by the police. The group of eight, consisting of four boys and four girls aged between 14 and 16, were interviewed by the police.
The alleged 15-year-old male driver has been charged with conduct endangering life, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, and theft of a motor vehicle. He is due to appear at a children’s court today. Additionally, a 16-year-old boy was charged in relation to an alleged home invasion in Point Cook and with theft of a motor vehicle. He will also appear before a children’s court.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, along with a 16-year-old girl, have been charged with theft of a motor vehicle and will appear at a children’s court at a later date. Another 16-year-old girl was interviewed and released pending summons, while two girls, aged 14 and 15, were cautioned.
