Epping, Lalor men charged over shooting

(Joe Mastroianni). 245950_02

Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged three men from Whittlesea following a shooting in Pascoe Vale on Tuesday.

It is alleged a number of shots were fired into a Heather Avenue address about 1.30am.

No one was physically injured during the incident, police said.

Two 18-year-old Epping men were arrested nearby, and another four men, a 20-year-old Epping man, two 20-year-old men from Lalor, and a 21-year-old Lalor man were arrested a few hours later.

A 21-year-old Lalor man and two 18-year-old Epping men were charged with reckless conduct endangering life, armed with criminal intent, theft of motor vehicle and other firearm related offences.

The two 18-year-old Epping men were also charged with home invasion and associated offences for a separate incident which occurred in Narre Warren last month.

Three other men, a 20-year-old from Epping and two 20-year-olds from Lalor, have been released pending further inquiries.

Armed Crime Squad detective acting senior sergeant Simon Pengelly said incidents involving firearms caused significant concern across the broader community.

“Rest assured; the indiscriminate use of illicit firearms remains a key focus for Victoria Police. We are committed to targeting those involved in this type of offending and holding them to account,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au