Police have arrested two teenagers – one of whom has been charged – following an investigation into two incidents in which bike riders were hit by a car on Beach Road last week.
And they are still on the hunt for others who were involved in the incidents.
Police allege that a 16-year-old Clyde North boy was driving a stolen vehicle when it struck the riders and failed to stop to render assistance.
He was charged with 14 offences, including reckless conduct endangering life, intentionally cause serious injury, and driving in a dangerous manner.
The youth was also charged over an alleged robbery at a shopping centre on Nepean Highway in Cheltenham on 26 January, and an alleged aggravated burglary in Bluegrass Close, Waterways, the following day.
He will appear in a children’s court later today.
A second 16-year-old, from Noble Park, was taken to hospital under police guard. He is expected to be charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Officers were called to Beach Road, Cheltenham, about 5.20am on Tuesday 23 January, after a 51-year-old Aspendale man was struck by a car and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
He was released from hospital on Tuesday 30 January.
A short time later a second cyclist, a 72-year-old man from Bentleigh East, was also involved in a collision on Beach Road in Beaumaris, near Tramway Parade.
The vehicle again allegedly failed to stop, and the second rider was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The rider remains in hospital in a serious-but-stable condition.
Police recovered a Holden Astra in Black Rock, believed to have been stolen from Preston on 21 January, and used in the incidents.
Anyone with information or footage of the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Update 6 February:
Four more youths, including a 13-year-old boy, have now been arrested in relation to the attack.
Following further enquiries, Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four youths at various locations.
- A 13-year-old Hampton Park boy was charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
- A 14-year-old Wonthaggi boy was charged with five offences, including reckless conduct endanger life, intentionally cause serious injury, theft of motor vehicle, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
- A 16-year-old Healesville boy was charged with two counts of theft of motor vehicle.
The trio has been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date, while a 15-year-old Doveton boy was released pending summons for theft of a motor vehicle.
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