Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested three people connected to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) yesterday as part of their investigation into a number of incidents including a shooting in South Morang last month.
Warrants were executed on Wednesday, 3 August by police from the Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce, Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit, Mill Park Divisional Response Unit and Brimbank Investigation Unit, with assistance from the AFP National Anti Gangs Squad.
Four residential properties in Kalkallo, North Melbourne, Pascoe vale and Mernda were searched, as well as the Port Melbourne club house of the Mongols OMCG.
A 23-year-old Kalkallo man, who is alleged to be a patched member of the Mongols OMCG, was arrested in Kalkallo with the assistance of the Special Operations Group.
A 19-year-old Pascoe Vale man and a 34-year-old Mernda man, who alleged to be a chapter president of the Mongols OMCG, were also arrested.
The Kalkallo man was subsequently charged with reckless conduct endangering life, possess/carry use general category handgun, use firearm in a dangerous manner, common law assault, discharge firearm at a vehicle with reckless disregard for safety, reckless conduct endangering life, attempted aggravated carjacking, possess/carry/use, cat A or B longarm, being armed with criminal intent, commit indictable offence while on bail, breach bail conditions and unlicensed driving.
The Pascoe Vale man was charged with; possessing drugs of dependence, prescription medication and handling stolen goods.
Both were remanded in custody and faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
The Mernda man was released pending further enquiries.
Police also located a number of items during the warrants including ammunition, two machetes, stolen identification, and drugs including methylamphetamines and steroids.
Yesterday's arrests follow an incident on 11 July where a firearm was pointed out the window of a white Toyota Kluger at another car in Thomastown after a minor traffic incident.
Detectives believe the Kalkallo man was driving the Toyota at the time of the incident.
On 20 July just before 2.45pm, a 21-year-old Mernda man was involved in an altercation with three men on Nivea Terrace in South Morang.
A number of shots were fired into his vehicle, and he was also physically assaulted.
The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries following the incident.
On 27 July, a 23-year-old Bundoora man and a 25-year-old South Morang man were arrested by the Mill Park Divisional Response Unit in relation to the assault and shooting.
The Bundoora man was subsequently charged with aggravated car jacking, as well as firearms and assault offences, while the South Morang man was released pending further enquiries.
The Mernda man arrested was also interviewed as part of the investigation by Brimbank CIU into a series of fires at tobacco stores across Melbourne over the past 12 months.
Seven people were arrested and charged earlier this year as part of this investigation.
The investigation of all these matters remains ongoing.
Police are urging anyone with information about any of the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
