Three Rebels gang members accused of ‘unprovoked and callous’ attack

Three Rebels bikies have been charged after what police allege was an “unprovoked and callous” assault on a man outside his home.

Charges have been laid against three patched members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang after what police allege was an “unprovoked and callous” assault in regional Victoria.

Detectives issued four search warrants on Thursday morning in North Bendigo, Epsom and Long Gully, taking three men into custody.

The arrests follow an alleged assault that occurred at 9.45pm on May 15 outside a North Bendigo property.

The arrests were made early on Thursday morning. Picture: Victoria Police

Police allege a man was working on his car out the front of his house when a motorbike travelling past at a “significant speed” led him to wave at the riders to slow down.

A short time later, police allege two men returned to the property in a white Commodore ute wearing “Rebels colours” and assaulted the victim.

Police say a third man arrived soon after in a twin cab ute and proceeded to join the assault, from which the victim suffered significant injuries.

The alleged assailants only left when the alleged victim’s partner came out from the house, having heard the commotion.

The alleged victim was taken to hospital with “serious injuries to his face” and is now “making a recovery” at home.

Police allege the first two men involved in the attack were a 49-year-old North Bendigo man and a 28-year-old Epsom man who were arrested on Thursday morning.

Police believe the 49-year-old is the Rebels’ chapter president and the latter the gang’s sergeant-at-arms.

The 49-year-old man is believed to be the Rebels’ chapter president. Picture: Victoria Police

Police say the third man who joined the alleged assault is a 25-year-old Epsom man who was also arrested on Thursday morning. Police believe he is also a member of the Rebels OMCG.

All three men have been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury, affray, assault in company and assault with a weapon.

The fourth search warrant conducted at Long Gully on Wednesday morning took place at the Rebels clubhouse, though police were unable to disclose “the ins and outs” of items seized during the searches.

Echo Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan said the alleged incident was “really concerning” to police.

The 25-year-old man who was arrested is suspected of being a Rebels OMCG member. Picture: Victoria Police

“This incident is deemed to be a completely unprovoked and unexpected act on a completely innocent member of the regional community,” he said.

“We are really concerned about the (alleged) level of violence described.

“Outlaw motorcycle groups and organised crime groups must understand that if they are regionally based, or within reach of Victoria Police, we will investigate all incidents that are reported to us.”

Police also searched the Rebels clubhouse. Picture: Victoria Police

Inspector Ryan urged anyone in the community with information regarding the incident, or any of a similar nature, to come forward.

“At this stage investigations are ongoing and police are certainly looking for any people who have further information or CCTV that may assist in the investigation,” he said.

“It’s important for members of the community to understand that when incidents like this one do take place, we will thoroughly investigate, and those involved will be held to account.

“Organised crime entities living in more rural parts of the state who think their distance from the city affords them a level of anonymity or impunity – you are mistaken.

“We will not allow our regional communities to be intimidated by OMCGs.”

The trio were bailed by police to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on September 28.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.