Police hunting armed thugs after high school formal after-party attack at Hillcrest
A man says he has fled his home after a school formal after-party he was hosting in Adelaide’s north spiralled into chaos, claiming armed intruders with suspected bikie links smashed their way in.
A Hillcrest man says he’s fled his home in fear after a school formal after-party he was hosting spiralled into chaos, claiming armed intruders with suspected bikie links smashed their way in while hunting for someone.
Jaycon Coller says he no longer feels safe living in his Harman Street property after a group of people forced their way into his home around 10pm on Friday, May 16 — kicking the front door in and shouting ‘Where is he?’ as they searched for someone inside.
At the time he was hosting about 30 teenagers who were having an afterparty at the home following Avenues College’s school formal, but celebrations were shattered when violence erupted on the quiet suburban street, forcing many of the teens to flee.
Disturbing CCTV footage shows a group of suspects swarming a white Toyota, with one man smashing the passenger window before the car speeds off.
In another clip, two people approach an unarmed male standing in the middle of the street with his hands raised, as he begs them to back off.
Police arrived at the scene to find the home ransacked and windows shattered.
Mr Coller claims he had no idea who the attackers were but said they had been armed with a baseball bat and machete and clearly looking for someone.
“These people were definitely adults,” he said.
“People reckon they’ve got links to the Gyspy Joker bikie gang.”
“I am definitely concerned they might come back. And that’s not even coming back for me — because I haven’t done anything — it’s more or less coming back to try and find whoever they were looking for.”
“I was shocked which is why I’ve moved out and gone to another area.”
Neighbours say the incident has “completely rattled” the neighbourhood, which is normally quiet and family-friendly, with a school, community centre and scout hall just across the road.
Mr Coller said he thinks the intruders had come looking for someone at the party to enact some sort of revenge for another altercation that took place earlier that night.
“Apparently someone had followed someone up the road, who had left the party and apparently stolen stuff off them,” he said.
“And I think that’s why these people have actually come back.”
SA Police said those involved are believed to be known to each other.
“A man at the house was assaulted and had clothing stolen and personal items stolen,” a police spokesman said.
“Later that evening a white Toyota was damaged while it was leaving the area.”
“Police are attempting to gain information from those involved and any witnesses are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
When asked if they were investigating if any offenders could potentially have bikie links, police replied: “There is no further information available at this time.”
Avenues College did not wish to comment as this was not a school event.
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Originally published as Police hunting armed thugs after high school formal after-party attack at Hillcrest
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