Second man charged over Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo tobacco shop ram raid, firebombing

A second accused arsonist has been charged over the alleged firebombing of a Bendigo tobacconist that caused $4m in damages and destroyed a neighbouring local tattoo studio.

A second accused arsonist has been charged over the alleged firebombing of a Bendigo tobacconist that caused $4m in damages.

The 22-year-old Dallas man is the second to be charged over the arson of The Free Choice tobacco store in Hargreaves Mall on January 19.

Police allege the 22-year-old drove a red Mazda into the store about 4am before setting it alight.

The man was arrested on Friday, November 1 when detectives raided two properties in Dallas and Wollert.

He was charged with arson and possessing an unregistered firearm, and was bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 8.

Preston man Wayle Mana, 25, was also charged in February over the alleged arson.

Mr Mana has also been charged with the arson of the Burgertory store on the corner of Glen Huntly and Hawthorn Rd in Caulfield on November 10.

Several nearby businesses in the Mall were damaged in the fire.

A tattoo studio next door, Pagan Lore, was severely damaged and their business was forced to shut for months until it relocated to Golden Square in June.