Five individuals have been apprehended by police as they intensify their probe into an unlawful motorbike riding gathering that transpired just before Christmas.
Following thorough investigations, officers from Victoria Police’s North-West Metro Achilles Taskforce executed a series of warrants last Wednesday across Melbourne’s northern and southeastern regions.
Those detained include:
• A 15-year-old male from Manor Lakes
• A 20-year-old male from Craigieburn;
• A 17-year-old male from Dallas;
• A 19-year-old male from Reservoir; and
• A 16-year-old male from Springvale.
The individual from Reservoir faces 15 charges, including criminal damage for allegedly vandalizing a police vehicle, endangering life through reckless conduct, endangering serious injury through reckless conduct, dangerous driving, improper use of a motor vehicle, driving without number plates, driving without a license, and possession of a drug of dependence. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 19.
The male from Craigieburn, along with those from Dallas and Springvale, have been released and are expected to be summoned for charges of endangering life through reckless conduct, driving without a license, and driving an unregistered vehicle.
A 19-year-old male from Broadmeadows, who was not present during the execution of a warrant at his residence, was interviewed at a later time and released pending summonses for charges related to endangering life through reckless conduct, driving without a license, and driving an unregistered vehicle.
The Manor Lakes teenager was also released pending further investigations.
Police will continue to pursue leads regarding the whereabouts of the motorcycles involved in the incident and in an effort to identify additional participants, have released images of four individuals they believe may have pertinent information.
The first man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 18-25 years old, solid build and wore a blue and white Fox brand motocross helmet, black jumper with black motocross armour, blue and black motorcycle gloves, black pants and khaki work boots. He was riding a blue Yamaha dirt bike with blue wheels.
The second man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 18-25 years old and of slim build with dark hair. He wore a pink, white and black Fox brand motocross helmet, white T-shirt with red and blue writing on the front and rear, black sport shorts and grey shoes and rode a red and white dirt bike.
The third man is perceived to be Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 20-25 years old and of medium build. He wore a black and grey motocross helmet, white T-shirt with red and blue writing on the front and back, white motorcycle gloves, tight-fitting black pants and black Nike runners. He rode a white and blue Yamaha dirt bike.
The fourth man is perceived to be Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 20-25 years old and of large build. He wore a green motorbike helmet, black hooded jumper with green text, black shorts and white runners. He was riding a grey and orange 2014 KTM 390 Duke.
The arrests stem from an incident of illegal motorbike riding that spanned several freeways on December 23.
Around 55 riders were initially observed riding recklessly on the Western Ring Road near Sydney Road at approximately 3:25 pm before progressing to the Tullamarine Freeway, CityLink, and crossing the Bolte Bridge.
The group then proceeded to a St Kilda yacht club on Pier Road, where they continued their dangerous riding activities around Catani Gardens.
Upon police arrival, one rider allegedly kicked a police vehicle’s side mirror before the group dispersed and fled back towards the city.
During their travel on CityLink, some riders purportedly engaged in dangerously erratic behaviour, including weaving between vehicles, performing stunts like wheelies, and recording each other.
Inspector Dean Allen from the North West Metro Achilles Taskforce commented, “For those contemplating reckless riding on our roads in groups, be aware that even if caught in the act, it won’t be long before law enforcement intervenes. This type of high-risk behaviour poses significant dangers, potentially resulting in injury or fatality for riders, their companions, or innocent road users. Even if you evade physical harm, you could still face serious legal repercussions, including court appearances and the seizure of your motorcycle. It’s simply not worth the risk. We urge parents to have frank discussions with their children about the consequences of such behaviour. We aim to prevent tragedies and avoid having to deliver devastating news to families.”
