SOUTHBANK, VIC. — Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives have charged two boys following the assault of an off-duty police officer in Southbank on Friday night.
The off-duty 32-year-old officer was walking south along Whiteman Street, after finishing his shift, when three unknown boys approached him and became verbally abusive about 11pm.
It is alleged the trio then physically assaulted the victim by punching and kicking.
The victim called Triple Zero (000) and was located by patrolling police a short time later.
All three offenders had already fled the area.
He was treated by paramedics at the scene.
On Saturday, May 30, officers from Melbourne CIU, along with North West Metro Regional Crime Squad and VIPER Taskforce members, executed three search warrants in the Merri-bek and Hume areas.
A 14-year-old from the Merri-bek area was arrested and interviewed.
He was charged with:
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- intentionally cause injury;
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- recklessly cause injury;
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- common law assault;
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- assault in company;
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- possessing a prohibited weapon without excuse and
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- possessing a drug of dependence.
He has been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
On Sunday, May 31, police arrested a 15-year-old boy from the Hume area.
He has been charged with:
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- intentionally cause injury;
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- reckless cause injury;
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- common law assault and
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- assault in company.
The teen appeared before the weekend online remand court, where he was remanded in custody.
The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the third person involved.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
