Analysis: Alleged bikie attack the latest in a violent trail

THE violent attack of a man at the Yarrawonga storage shed is the culmination of a series of bloody attacks

Darwin Rebels president Andy Summerfield has been charged over the bashing of a man in Yarrawonga. PICTURE: NT Police

Analysis

THE violent attack of a man at the Yarrawonga storage shed is the culmination of a series of bloody attacks.

The NT News understands Thursday’s brutal assault came days after reports of an all-in-brawl at a Mitchell St nightclub involving bikies from at least one gang.

It was just another incident following a year of internal fighting in a power struggle to take control of the outlaw gang.

The specific circumstances surrounding the alleged hit-and-run of Rebels sergeant-at-arms Shannon Althouse are still unknown as there has been little co-operation with police.

Police will claim, on the day Althouse and president Andy Summerfield allegedly returned to take revenge, the car used to plough into the 30-year-old was put up for sale.

Police seized the car in the days after the hit and run for forensic testing.

Police seized this ute for forensic tests after the alleged hit-run of Shannon Althouse.

The car was returned to its owner a few days later and was listed for sale on a Darwin social media page.

The alleged owner said the cost was $7500 and commented he needed the car to be sold “ASAP”.

Gangs Taskforce Detective Sergeant Michael Budge said the incidents over the past fortnight were a reminder to avoid becoming involved with outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“It’s these type of outlaw gangs that believe they can operate outside the law, police will continue to target those who use standover and intimidation tactics,” he said. “Police will continue to detect, deter and disrupt criminal activities of these OMCG gangs.”

How the war has unfolded

JUNE 19: Rebels bosses fly up a hit squad from Adelaide to clear out old office bearers in a series of violent attacks and install Shannon Althouse as sergeant-at-arms and Andy Summerfield as president.

SEPTEMBER 21: Althouse and Summerfield allegedly assault a person at a Yarrawonga storage facility. A second person arrives during the assault and runs down Althouse. Summerfield drove his friend to the Palmerston GP Super clinic while being chased and rammed by the hit-and-run driver.

SEPTEMBER 22: Althouse has emergency surgery in Royal Darwin Hospital for his injuries.

SEPTEMBER 23: Police seize car used in hit and run for forensic testing.

OCTOBER 6: Police allege Althouse and Summerfield return to the Yarrawonga shed for retribution on the man who ran him down. They allegedly attacked the wrong man with a weapon.

OCTOBER 8: Althouse and Summerfield arrested during a dawn raid at a Gray residence and charged by police.