Westgate Divisional Response Unit detectives are reaching out to the public for assistance in an ongoing investigation involving an armed robbery and kidnapping incident that occurred on October 29 in Tarneit.
According to the information provided to the police, the incident unfolded around 7:10 pm when a 24-year-old victim was walking through the Wootten Road Reserve near the intersection of Cuttlefish Circuit and Colias Walk. The victim was confronted by three male teenagers, with one of them wielding a knife, demanding the victim to surrender his mobile phone.
A struggle ensued, resulting in the victim sustaining a hand injury, after which the assailants fled the scene with the stolen mobile phone. Shortly after that, investigators believe the same trio targeted a second male victim who was inside his white Toyota Camry parked on Cuttlefish Circuit.
One of the offenders brandished a knife and compelled the victim to drive them to a car park on Wooten Road. Upon reaching the destination, the trio fled the Toyota on foot, leaving the 20-year-old victim unharmed.
Detectives have released CCTV footage and images of three individuals believed to have crucial information related to the case. The first suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his teens with a black moustache and a long black mullet. He was observed wearing a blue Nike jumper and black track pants.
The second suspect is perceived to be of African descent, also in his teens, with an afro hairstyle, dressed in a black tracksuit and dark-coloured sneakers. The third suspect believed to be African in appearance and in his teens, was captured wearing a grey hoodie, dark track pants, and carrying a dark-coloured bum bag.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, dashcam/CCTV footage, or those who witnessed the incident to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Confidential reports can also be submitted online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
