A patched member of the Bandidos bikie gang has been arrested and their clubhouse raided as part of the police investigation into a bungled tobacco store firebombing that left one of the arsonists with critical burns.
Victoria Police said in a statement they had executed a number of warrants across the Ballarat area on Friday following the fire at the Boss Tobacco shop in Melton, west of Melbourne, early on September 3.
“One of the warrants was executed a short time ago at the Bandidos OMCG clubhouse at Greenbank Court in Delacombe,” police said.
“A number of people have also been arrested today as part of the investigation, including a 32-year-old man who is a patched member of the Bandidos.”
No charges have been laid and police said they would provide an update later on Friday.
CCTV footage of the firebombing, released by police last week, showed one man engulfed in flames, while his accomplice tried to shake fire off his burning sleeve.
Witnesses reported hearing the man scream in agony as his co-offender fled the scene.
The 23-year-old remains in a critical condition in The Alfred hospital.
Arson squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray vowed to hold the fugitive responsible if the arsonist dies, hitting out at youth offenders who are “ruining lives” by carrying out violent attacks ordered by organised crime syndicates.
“They attempted to take off, but this individual – the individual who is currently in hospital – whose life is in critical condition, has fallen out of the vehicle,” Murray said.
“His mate – his so-called mate – took off.
“This individual will have life-changing injuries. His mate, when we catch him, will be charged with the offending that comes with [this crime].”
The detective said the force intended to hold the fugitive accountable for his co-accused’s injuries. “And hopefully not his death,” he said.
The pair’s white ute was later found alight on the Western Highway in Hopetoun Park.
More to come.
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