Police Beat with Katrina Brandon
Fatal Jacob Creek motorcycle crash
ON Saturday, January 18, emergency services were called to Tyers-Walhalla Road, where it is believed a 4WD and a group of six motorcycles collided around 11.30am.
A male rider died at the scene and one other male rider was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The occupants of the 4WD were also taken to hospital for assessment.
During the investigation by the Baw Baw Patrol officers, the road was closed for several hours between Bluff Rd and Cowwarr Rd.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at: crimestoppersvic.com.au
Failed proof
EPA Victoria has fined a Ferntree Gully man more than $1000 over a leak from an old service station’s underground petrol tank in Traralgon.
The $1185 fine is for failing to provide documented proof that there had been progress on dealing with the leak.
EPA issued the man with an Environmental Action Notice (EAN) after an investigation into unexpected cracks in the driveway of the premises at 180 Argyle Street, Traralgon.
The old Underground Petrol Storage System (UPSS) had been shifting in the ground after heavy rain, causing the cracks and leading to apparent contamination of the soil.
EPA officers inspecting the site found water with a rainbow sheen seeping out from the ground between concrete joints.
The official notice required the man to produce proof that the UPSS had been safely decommissioned. It also ordered him to engage a qualified consultant who would test soil and groundwater, map the contamination, and advise on how to fix the problem.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the man has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
The public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution
Inferno information
DETECTIVES from Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit are currently investigating a deliberately lit grassfire on Mountain Glen Drive, Moe on January 13 around 5pm.
It is alleged an unknown person lit a fire on the nature strip on Mountain Glen Dr, Moe, before leaving in a blue Holden Commodore. The fire spread towards the highway.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who was travelling on Mountain Glen Rd who may have dash cam footage of this offending vehicle.
Investigators are further appealing for anyone who was travelling east on the Princes Freeway between Kenny’s Road, Trafalgar East, and the Moe exit ramp at McDonald’s Moe on January 13 between 5pm-5.10pm who may have dash cam footage of this offending vehicle.
Anyone with dash cam footage or information is urged to contact Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit on 5131 5000, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au
Charges following shooting
TWO men have been charged by police after a man was shot in Wonthaggi.
A 28-year-old Wonthaggi man was arrested on January 13, interviewed by investigators the following morning before being charged with conduct endangering life, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally cause injury, reckless causing of injury, being a prohibited person possessing firearm, criminal damage, possessing an ammunition round, cannabis and firework, and driving while disqualified.
A 24-year-old Leongatha man was arrested in Wonthaggi on January 14 after attempting to evade police.
Police were called to a suspicious vehicle on Quarry St when the driver attempted to flee just after 3am. The vehicle got bogged and the driver attempted to run from the scene before he was subsequently arrested.
Police seized what was believed to be an improvised explosive device and homemade firearms from the vehicle. The Bomb Response Unit then attended the scene and deemed the device safe.
The driver was interviewed in relation to the non-fatal shooting but has not been charged in connection with the incident. He was charged with unlicensed driving, negligently dealing with proceeds of crime, two counts of trafficking a drug of dependence, two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing ammunition without licence, possessing cannabis, and being a prohibited person in possession of firearm and an imitation firearm in relation to a series of separate matters.
Both men appeared at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.
The charges followed an incident where emergency services were called to reports a man had been shot in the upper body following an altercation on Fahey St, Wonthaggi around 2am on January 12. The 42-year-old man was conveyed to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police believed the parties involved were known to each other.
