A second man has been charged following an arson attack on a tobacco store in Point Cook in January.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group and the Fugitive Squad, a 34-year-old Broadmeadows man was arrested in Broadmeadows on Thursday afternoon March 14.
He was interviewed by police and charged with arson, theft of motor vehicle, intentionally cause injury and associated assault offences.
Police allege the man was using multiple mobile phones, sim cards and vehicles to avoid detection.
The assault charges relate to a separate investigation into an assault which occurred on February 21. The victim sustained severe facial injuries, a broken tibia and further injuries to the face from being bitten.
Earlier in March, a 26-year-old Campbellfield man was also charged over the same arson attack. He faces charges of criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on April 5.
The charges follow an incident on Friday, January 19 where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong Street, Point Cook, shortly before 6am.
A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the attack and later recovered by police.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.