By MELISSA MEEHAN
AFTER months of investigations, Yarra Ranges CIU detectives have laid attempted murder charges following a violent attack in Yellingbo in February.
The assault, that shook many in the area, left the victim in a coma – and police believe he may never recover from some injuries.
He is now out of hospital, but in a rehabilitation hospital.
Detectives, supported by Eastern Region Division Two investigations and response units arrested five people and executed five pre-dawn search warrants on Wednesday morning in Wantirna, Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Rowville and The Patch concluding Operation Cruso. The Mail believes, the investigation took detectives around the state.
Four men and a woman were arrested in relation to the alleged assault which is believed to have occurred on Macclesfield Road on 4 February just after 6pm.
A 51-year-old Warburton man was found seriously injured on the side of the road after he went to the aid of a female acquaintance whose vehicle was broken down.
A 28-year-old Wantirna man will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
A 53-year-old man from The Patch, a 25-year-old Wantirna woman and two 21-year-old men are currently assisting police with their inquiries.
During the raids, police also seized an amount of cash, a number of pills and powder believed to be methamphetamine.
A 31-year-old Menzies Creek man was also arrested on Tuesday night and has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, armed robbery and other serious assault charges.
He has been bailed by police to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 29 April for a filing hearing.
A 37-year-old Warburton woman was also interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons.
