Newcomb man, 21, charged after major police operation

A Newcomb man has been charged in connection to an alleged Melton burglary, where police say shots were fired and a man was left with knife wounds to his face. WATCH THE VIDEO.

A Newcomb man has been charged in connection to an alleged Melton burglary, where police say shots were fired and a man was left with knife wounds to his face.

Joey Cole appeared in Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he was arrested by specialist police arrested on Tuesday following raids at Grovedale, Ocean Grove, Newcomb, Norlane and Geelong West.

Mr Cole, 21, was charged with aggravated home invasion, aggravated burglary, conduct endangering life, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, theft of motor vehicle, using a firearm in contravention of Firearm Prohibition Order and breaching conditions of bail.

Officers were seen at Greenwood St, Newcomb about 11am on Tuesday.

It’s understood police used a megaphone to order the man out of the property.

Police at the scene of an operation in Greenwood St, Newcomb on May 23.

He was seen crawling on his hands and knees before he was cuffed, using cable ties, and placed in the back of a vehicle.

During Mr Cole’s brief court appearance, Senior Constable James French requested a 12 week adjournment to allow police to gather more forensic evidence.

Magistrate Carolyn Burnside said Mr Cole was facing a committal proceeding.

“All the evidence needs to be given to your lawyer. She will be studying it and working out whether or not you have a defence and whether you want to plead guilty or not guilty,” Ms Burnside said.

Mr Cole informed the court he wished to apply for bail, however Ms Burnside said the court needed to be given appropriate notice.

He was remanded in custody and is next expected to front Melbourne County Court on August 29.

Another man, a 22-year-old Geelong West man, was arrested as part of the operation and charged with possession of cannabis.

He was bailed to front Geelong Magistrates Court on August 15.

A 21-year-old Newcomb woman was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

Police said they seized a white Mazda CX-5, a number of knives, what appeared to be cannabis and a quantity of white powder during the raids.

Victoria police spokeswoman Maddy McDermott said the charges followed an alleged incident in Melton on April 24, when four men allegedly forced their way into a Fraser St property about 4am.

Three people inside the property at the time, a man and two women, were allegedly assaulted.

A 31-year-old man was taken to hospital and treated for a significant knife wound to his face.

A 44-year-old woman and a 67-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Newcomb man, 21, charged after major police operation