Cranbourne man, 18, arrested over Collingwood wild brawl
POLICE are investigating whether teenager Laa Chol’s murder was the motivation behind an alleged hit-run during a wild brawl outside a Collingwood pub. A teenager has now been charged over the hit-run incident.
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THE murder of 19-year-old Laa Chol is being considered a “factor” in an alleged hit-run during a wild brawl outside a Collingwood pub earlier this month.
Two teens, both 18, were today arrested over the incident outside the Gasometer Hotel on September 2, when about 200 youths, mostly African and Pacific Islanders, were involved in the melee after an event hosted by 66 Records.
The hit-run collision left a teenage boy with serious leg injuries.
One teenager was taken into custody over the incident after being located at his school in Melbourne’s southeast.
Another man, 18, from Cranbourne, was arrested at a construction site in Dandenong this morning and police will allege he was behind the wheel of the car when it allegedly hit and seriously injured another teen.
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One of the teens, Dieu Atem, appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates Court this afternoon.
Wearing a fluro yellow tradie shirt, Mr Atem, 18, sat quietly in the dock as the court heard it was his first time in custody.
No details of the allegations against him were read out.
The court ordered the prosecution prepare the brief of evidence by November 22.
He was remanded to reappear on January 7.
North West Metro Commander Tim Hansen said investigators have so far placed seven people at the scene of the wild street brawl on September 2.
Seven victims have been identified however investigators are yet to determine whether some were also offenders.
Several have been uncooperative with investigators, Cdr Hansen said.
Weapons, clothing and car fragments are being forensically tested.
Police will allege the 18-year-old Cranbourne man arrested in Dandenong today was behind the wheel of the car when it allegedly hit and seriously injured a boy of the same age.
He has been charged with ten offences including intentionally cause serious injury, conduct endangering life and assault and traffic related offences.
He will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
The second boy, 18, was released pending further inquiries. His involvement remains unclear but Cdr Hansen said evidence gathered during a police search of his home today linked him to the alleged hit-run.
Neither teen resisted arrest, he said.
The murder of Ms Chol in a high-rise CBD apartment in July is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We are considering that as a causal factor,” said Cdr Hansen.
The Gasometer pub is also being quizzed over whether it provided responsible service of alcohol on the night.
The arrest comes as the victim of the alleged hit-run, 18, continues to recover in hospital.
The man suffered serious leg injuries when a car allegedly collided with him outside the Gasometer Hotel.
About 40 witnesses have come forward to police with information about the affray, as investigators continue their probe.
North West Metro Region Commander Tim Hansen said Yarra Crime Investigation Unit said more than 70 exhibits, including the offending vehicle, are being examined.
“Our work is not done. It is clear the community was fearful of the behaviour we saw in Collingwood earlier this month,” said Cdr Hansen.
“From Victoria Police’s perspective it was dangerous and completely unacceptable, which is why we have committed significant time and resources into our investigation.
“We have identified seven victims of the affray and are working closely with those people and their families to gather intelligence and provide referrals to support agencies.”