CRAIGIEBURN. VIC. — Fawkner Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives yesterday arrested and charged an 18-year-old man on Sydney Road, Coburg North, following reports of shots fired at the Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre last week.
A search of the man uncovered a firearm, alleged to be a pen pistol, a quantity of ammunition and a machete.
The Coburg North man has been charged with:
- possess unregistered handgun;
- possess a loaded firearm in a public place;
- use a firearm in a public place;
- reckless conduct endangering life;
- possess firearm with criminal intent;
- affray;
- possessing cartridge ammunition without a licence;
- possessing a prohibited weapon (machete); and
- possessing a prohibited weapon (extendable baton)
The arrest and charges follow an extensive investigation by Fawkner DRU into an incident on Thursday, August 13 where police were called to a shopping centre on Craigieburn Road about 7.10pm to reports of teenagers causing trouble and possibly shots fired.
There were no reports of injuries and those involved in the incident fled the scene before police arrived.
It is alleged a shot was fired during the incident after a projectile was found in an outdoor seating area of the shopping centre on Friday afternoon.
The man has been held over to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
An investigation remains ongoing.
Police have increased patrols of the Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
