Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit detectives wrapped up a protracted investigation on Monday following the arrest of a man who was wanted by detectives following a series of violent assaults and thefts across Port Phillip during July and August.
Some of the reported crimes being investigated included –
- Theft of a Toyota CHR and theft from motor vehicle in St Kilda West on 11 July.
- An alleged road rage incident where a machete was produced and person threatened in Elwood involving the stolen Toyota CHR on 11 August.
- An alleged hit and run collision involving the Toyota CHR, where the offender allegedly fled the scene on foot in St Kilda East on 13 August.
- Theft of Toyota Rav 4 from Albert Park on 25 August.
Investigators identified a suspect and got to work on locating him.
Detectives, with the assistance of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and other specialised and local police descended on Kirner Street North Melbourne about 2.30pm on 31 August, after receiving information their suspect was in the area.
Police located the stolen Toyota RAV 4 parked in Kirner Street and soon after, the suspect returned to the stolen vehicle and upon seeing police, he fled on foot.
Officers cordoned off the area and with the assistance of CIRT, arrested the 33-year-old wanted man.
He was interviewed by detectives and charged with 16 offences including – reckless conduct endangering persons, unlawful assault, possess prohibited weapon (machete), fail to have proper control of a vehicle, drive manner dangerous, fail to remain at scene of collision, three charges of theft of motor vehicle, commit offences whilst on bail and others.
The man was remanded in custody to a date to be fixed.
