SUNSHINE, VIC. — Brimbank Divisional Response Unit officers have charged a 27-year-old man following a series of offences in Sunshine, including a fire at the Magistrates’ Court at about 10am on Monday, September 28.
Police allege the Sunshine man entered the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Foundry Road and poured accelerant inside, before setting it alight.
Three security guards were assessed at the scene. There were no injuries.
The court and neighbouring police station were evacuated as a precaution.
The man fled on foot.
Police will also allege the same man entered the Glengal Hotel on Glengala Road and later threatened staff with a knife at about 6.30pm on September 27.
He allegedly stole two charity containers from the hotel and fled the scene.
It is alleged the man later forced entry to the same licensed premises at about 10.30pm but was unsuccessful in gaining access to the building and left the scene.
Police attended a property on Hilma Street, Sunshine West and attempted to arrest a man on September 29.
The man allegedly fled to a bungalow behind the address, assaulted a police member and barricaded himself inside.
Critical Incident Response Team members and Brimbank Divisional Response Unit officers negotiated with the man, before he allegedly set fire to the bungalow at about 11am.
The 27-year-old man was removed from the property, arrested and taken to hospital with minor injuries under police guard.
He was interviewed and charged with:
- two counts of criminal damage by fire;
- two counts of criminal damage;
- conduct endangering life;
- assaulting a police officer;
- armed robbery;
- aggravated burglary; and
- theft.
The Sunshine West man faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
