Echo Taskforce detectives have charged four people and seized firearms, cash and drugs following the theft of two tow trucks and a firearms incident in Mickleham on Sunday.
Police will allege that around 5.30am on Sunday (9 July), three people broke into a heavy haulage depot on Technical Drive in Craigieburn, where they allegedly stole two Kenworth tow trucks.
CCTV alerted the victims to the theft, and they tracked the location of the allegedly stolen trucks via GPS.
When the victim arrived at the location of one of the trucks on Rosehill Boulevard in Mickleham, a man exiting the vehicle fired two shots in his direction.
He was physically unharmed during the incident.
With the assistance of Air Wing, the second vehicle was located in Roxburgh Park and intercepted by members from Broadmeadows.
A 42-year-old Craigieburn woman and a 36-year-old Meadow Heights man were arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with theft of motor vehicle and possess drug of dependence.
The woman was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 7 November.
The man was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 2 October.
With the assistance of the Special Operations Group, a 34-year-old Glenroy man, believed to have discharged the firearm on Sunday, was arrested about 4.30pm on Monday (10 July).
A significant quantity of cash, as well as quantities of what appear to be methylamphetamine and 1,4-Butanediol and a round of ammunition were seized from his vehicle.
A search warrant was executed at his Glenroy address on 11 July where police subsequently located an AR-15 assault rifle, a WW2 Thompson submachine gun, a handgun, a gel blaster handgun, detonation cords, ammunition, false registration plates, various amounts of what appear to be a crystal substance, GHB, methylamphetamine and other prescription medication, ammunition and identification in various names.
He was charged with over 15 offences, including reckless conduct endanger life, use firearm when firearm prohibition order applies, possess firearm when FPO applies, two counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail, traffick methylamphetamine, traffick 1,4-Butanediol and two counts of theft of motor vehicle.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.
A 32-year-old woman found in the company of the Glenroy man was charged with possess 1,4-Butanediol.
She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 December.
Investigators believe the incident was targeted.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Al Rumble, Echo Taskforce:
“There is no reason whatsoever for anyone to have these kinds of guns in their possession. An AR-15 is exactly what it says it is, an assault rifle. It has no other purpose other than to kill and they have been used in numerous mass shooting incidents across the globe.
“I have no doubt our community is a safer place with these weapons off the streets.
“We will continue to work around the clock to identify, investigate and arrest offenders, putting them before the court to answer for their actions.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
