A 20-year-old Craigieburn man is one of five arrested in relation to an illegal motorbike riding event just before Christmas.
Police executed a series of warrants across Melbourne’s north and southeast on Wednesday January 31, arresting five males.
Those arrested include a 15-year-old Manor Lakes boy, a 16-year-old Springvale boy, a 17-year-old Dallas boy, a 19-year-old Reservoir man and a 20-year-old Craigieburn man.
The Manor Lakes boy was released pending further enquiries, while the Craigieburn man and Dallas and Springvale boys, were released and are expected to be charged on summons with reckless conduct endangering life, driving unlicenced and driving an unregistered vehicle.
The Reservoir man was charged with 15 offences including allegedly damaging a police vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving and possessing a drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 19 .
A 19-year-old Broadmeadows man, not present when police executed a warrant at his house, was interviewed on Friday February 2 and released pending summons for reckless conduct endangering life, unlicenced driving and driving an unregistered vehicle.
Police are still searching for motorbikes used in the incident which occurred across multiple freeways on Saturday December 23.
Approximately 55 riders were first spotted riding erratically on the Western Ring Road near Sydney Road about 3.25pm before heading to the Tullamarine Freeway, CityLink and riding over the Bolte Bridge.
The group then travelled to a St Kilda where they continued to ride dangerously around Catani Gardens.
Once police arrived, a rider allegedly kicked the side mirror of the police vehicle before the group took off back towards the city, allegedly swerving between cars, performing wheelies and filming each other while riding on CityLink.
Inspector Dean Allen said those thinking they can ride dangerously on the road and get away with it should think again
“This kind of high-risk behaviour is nothing to brag about. It could seriously injure or kill you, your friends or an innocent road user,” he said, adding that with children among those arrested, parents had a role in preventing this behaviour too.
“We’re imploring parents to sit down with their kids and explain the risks of this kind of behaviour. The last thing we want to do is to have to notify a parent when a tragedy occurs.”
Police have released images of four other men they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone who recognises one of the men or has any other or anyone information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
