Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have now charged a total of five males following two linked car fires, a shooting incident and an arson at a Fawkner address in December last year.
Three males were arrested by police on Thursday of last week (16 May). They include:
A 16-year-old Epping boy who was charged with home invasion, two counts of reckless conduct endangering life, prohibited person use firearm, discharge shot at premises, four counts of theft of motor vehicle and three counts of criminal damage by fire (arson).
He will face a children's court at a later date.
A 21-year-old man from Craigieburn and a 23-year-old Clifton Hill man were both charged with home invasion, two counts of reckless conduct endangering life, prohibited person use firearm, discharge shot at premises, four counts of theft of motor vehicle and three counts of criminal damage by fire (arson).
The duo was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 July.
A 23-year-old Reservoir man was charged on 24 April with two counts of criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, two counts of theft of motor vehicle, possess equipment used to make ID documentation, make ID documentation, possess methylamphetamine and possess ammunition without licence.
A 20-year-old man from Epping was arrested at Melbourne Airport on 13 April and subsequently charged with home invasion, two counts of reckless conduct endangering life, use firearm when FPO applies, discharge shot at premises, four counts of theft of motor vehicle and three counts of criminal damage by fire (arson).
The pair was also remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 July.
The charges follow two separate incidents at a Major Road residential address in December last year.
The first occurred around 11pm on Saturday, 23 December when it will be alleged that shots were fired at the front of house and two men attempted to force entry.
They were unsuccessful and fled the scene in a previously stolen Suzuki Swift.
Three people inside the property at the time of the incident were not physically injured.
The car was later located burnt out on Fashion Parade in Broadmeadows, and a firearm was located inside the vehicle.
The second incident occurred about 3.20am on Thursday, 28 December when emergency services were called to reports of a vehicle fire on Major Road.
Investigators will allege a number of offenders ran from a vehicle, pouring accelerant into the driveway of the Major Road address, before setting a blue Toyota Camry parked in the driveway alight.
They then fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.
A short time later, police attended a second car fire. A Toyota Camry was located burnt out at the intersection of William and Lowson Streets.
Nobody was physically injured during either incident but both vehicles were severely damaged.
Police believe both incidents were targeted.
Anyone with any information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
