The Truganina Man was Arrested in Connection to Alleged Kidnapping and Tobacco Store Fire, Assistance from Special Operations Group
A 19-year-old Truganina man has been arrested by the Armed Crime Squad detectives, with the assistance of the Special Operations Group, in connection to an alleged kidnapping and tobacco store fire.
The arrest was made following a brief foot pursuit in the carpark of a fast-food outlet at the intersection of Sydney and Barry roads in Campbellfield yesterday. The teenager has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated home invasion, common law assault, and two counts each of criminal damage by fire and theft of a motor vehicle.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday, August 5th, where armed individuals allegedly forced their way into a home on Ballarat Road in Deer Park at around 5am. The victim was reportedly assaulted and taken from the property, but was later released and reported the incident to the police.
The charges also relate to an ongoing investigation by Taskforce Lunar into a suspected tobacco store fire that occurred on July 6th on Ingor Street in Ararat. It is alleged that a flammable substance was poured throughout the store before it was set on fire. As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at a residential home and seized a quantity of a suspected drug of dependence and a significant amount of cash.
The teenager, who is from Truganina, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning and has been remanded in custody until October 30th, 2024. The investigation is still ongoing.
Sergeant Julie-Anne Newman of the Media Unit stated, “This arrest is a result of the hard work and collaboration of our detectives and the Special Operations Group. We will continue to work diligently to bring justice to those involved in these serious crimes.”
