FITZROY, VIC. — Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have charged a third person today as part of their investigation into a theft and arson on an ATM at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne’s CBD last month.
A 45-year-old Fitzroy man was arrested this morning and subsequently charged with causing an explosion likely to cause serious injury to property, theft, criminal damage with a view to gain, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury relating to the incident.
The man was also charged with burglary and theft relating to an alleged burglary at a Heidelberg West educational facility on May 10, as well as producing an intimate image after his mobile phone was seized.
The man has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 5.
On May 29, a 40-year-old Brunswick man was charged with theft, use of an explosive and conduct endangering life.
On June 1, a 40-year-old Brunswick West man was charged with over 20 charges, including causing an explosion likely to cause serious injury to property, reckless conduct endangering life, driving in a manner dangerous, theft of a motor vehicle and evading police.
The pair were remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 24.
The charges follow an incident where three people allegedly caused an explosion to gain access to an ATM on Victoria Street about 2.45am on May 13.
The homemade device ignited in the face of one of the men, leaving the 45-year-old with serious and life-changing injuries.
Police will allege that approximately $5000 was stolen from the ATM.
There is nothing to indicate the incident is linked to the Operation Eclipse series of offending.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
