Police in Melbourne have charged two additional individuals in connection with a weekend machete fight that resulted in three people being hospitalised and led to the lockdown of a shopping centre. Initially, two teenage boys were arrested at the scene, with two more suspects apprehended the following day.
The latest arrests included an 18-year-old man from Derrimut and a 21-year-old man from Kew, the latter of whom required hospital treatment after the incident. The Derrimut man faces charges of affray and intentionally causing injury, while the Kew man has been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury, and breaching bail conditions. Both are set to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court in mid-July.
Earlier, the two main offenders, a 16-year-old from Darebin and a 15-year-old from Melton, were taken into custody at the scene. They have been charged with multiple offences, including affray, intentionally causing injury, and possession and use of a controlled weapon, and will appear in a children’s court.
Additionally, a 20-year-old man from Thornbury and an 18-year-old man from Bundoora were arrested yesterday. The Thornbury man faces charges similar to those of the Kew man, while the Bundoora man is charged with affray and intentionally causing injury. Both will also appear in court in mid-July.
All six males involved are reportedly known gang members and have previous police contacts. Authorities have seized three machetes related to the incident, and one suspect remains at large as police continue their search.
Investigators are appealing for any information or footage from the public, urging anyone with details to contact Crime Stoppers.