A teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a 14-year-old Melbourne student. The victim fell out of the moving car and is currently in serious condition. Police have identified all of the people involved in the attack and more arrests are expected. Molly Magennis reported
Teenage Boy Arrested for Kidnapping Melbourne Student, Victim Sustains Serious Injuries
A shocking incident unfolded in Melbourne on Monday, when a 14-year-old student from Glen Eira College was kidnapped and left with serious injuries. The schoolboy was walking home when he was confronted by unknown offenders and forcibly taken into a car on Neerim Rd, Glen Huntly. However, moments later, the teenager fell out of the moving vehicle near the intersection of Grange Rd. He was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The authorities made a significant breakthrough on Thursday, as they announced the arrest of a 14-year-old boy from Frankston South in connection with the incident. The suspect is currently assisting the police with their inquiries. Inspector Scott Dwyer revealed that the police have identified all the individuals involved in the attack, and further arrests are expected in the near future. Notably, the arrested teenager belongs to one of the 44 youth gangs that the police have identified as currently active in Victoria.
In the wake of this disturbing incident, more teenage students have come forward, reporting similar attacks and attempted robberies. On the same day as the kidnapping, another armed robbery occurred on Kambrook Rd, near the location where the schoolboy was abducted. Four teenagers were robbed by two unknown offenders armed with machetes. The police are now investigating whether these incidents are linked.
Additionally, a student from Elwood College reported a separate incident where he was approached by a woman who demanded his mobile phone while he was walking to school last Friday. As a result, the police have increased their patrols around schools in Melbourne. However, Inspector Dwyer stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that gangs are specifically targeting schoolchildren. He emphasized that robberies typically occur at transport hubs, shopping centres, and parklands where youths gather. While the police are examining the situation, it is too early to determine if there has been a change in the offending pattern.
Despite the concerns raised by these incidents, Inspector Dwyer assured the community that the police are well aware of the youth gang issue and are actively addressing it. He urged the public not to be anxious, as the police are working diligently to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable. He also mentioned that the condition of the 14-year-old victim has improved and he is now in a serious but stable condition. However, it is still unclear whether his injuries were sustained during the attack, from falling on the road, or a combination of both.
Anyone with information related to these incidents has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The community remains hopeful that the authorities will soon apprehend all those responsible for these violent acts and ensure the safety of the residents in Melbourne..