Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have arrested three patched members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) this morning following an assault in North Bendigo in May which left a man in hospital.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), AFP’s National Anti-Gangs Squad, Central Victoria Divisional Response Unit and the Dog Squad, early morning searches were conducted at three residential addresses in North Bendigo, and Epsom (2), as well as a clubhouse in Long Gully.
Three men have been taken into custody and will now be interviewed by police. They include:
• A 49-year-old North Bendigo man, believed to be the president of the Rebels OMCG
• A 28-year-old Epsom man, believed to be a sergeant at arms of the Rebels OMCG, and
• A 25-year-old Epsom man, believed to be a patched member of the Rebels OMCG.
This morning’s activity follows an incident on Monday, 15 May, when a man was seriously assaulted outside of his own North Bendigo property around 9.45pm.
Police believe the man had been working on his vehicle when a motorbike travelled past the address at significant speed.
The man waved for the bike to slow down.
Shortly after, two men, believed to be a 49-year-old Bendigo man and a 25-year-old Epsom man, returned to the address in a white Commodore Ute in Rebels colours and began assaulting the victim.
A third man, believed to be a 28-year-old from Epsom, arrived not long after in a twin cab ute and joined in the assault.
The victim’s partner heard the commotion and walked outside, causing all three offenders to flee the scene.
The man was conveyed to hospital to be treated for significant but non-life threatening injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan, Echo Taskforce:
“This is an unprovoked and callous assault on a completely innocent member of the public simply going about his own business.
“It is utterly unacceptable behaviour, and it will not be tolerated. We will not allow our regional communities to be intimidated by OMCGs.
“Organised crime entities living in more rural parts of the state who think their distance from the city affords them a level of anonymity or impunity – you are mistaken.
“It is not easier to hide in the country. If you are involved in organised criminal activity, you will be detected and you will be held accountable, irrespective of your location.
“It’s important for members of the community to understand that when incidents like this one do take place, we will thoroughly investigate, and those involved will be held to account.”
