By Goya Dmytryshchak
An Altona North man has been charged and another man remains on the run after a BMW stolen in a carjacking crashed into Club Laverton hotel on Thursday morning.
Darebin detectives allege that two men, armed with a chainsaw and gun, stole the black BMW X5 sedan from outside a Reservoir fish and chip shop about 6.30pm on Tuesday last week.
The alleged carjackers blocked in the BMW with a small car before threatening the three men inside, slashing one with the switched-off chainsaw. He required 25 stitches.
The three victims sought refuge inside a shop, pursued by the gunman, before handing over the car keys, cash and a mobile phone.
The BMW was seen about an hour later at a convenience store on the Western Ring Road at Ardeer.
Detectives believe the same men may have also been involved in an incident the following day, when a man in a BMW pointed a gun at the driver of another car travelling inbound on the West Gate Freeway, just west of Millers Road at Brooklyn, about 6.50am.
A 20-year-old Altona North man was caught by police after running from the scene when the stolen BMW slammed through the wall of Club Laverton at 3am on Thursday.
Two men were seen on CCTV footage running from the scene, but police caught one of them as he was crossing the freeway.
The Altona North man has been charged with extortion, armed robbery, ice trafficking, conduct endangering life and other offences.
Police are still hunting the other man, who may have been injured. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
in Aviation Road, near Princes Freeway,
– with The Age
