By BRIDGET SCOTT and LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A TEENAGE boy, who admitted to having issues with drugs, held a father at gunpoint outside a Hampton Park childcare centre last week.
Hours later, the 17-year-old from Lynbrook was involved in an intense police pursuit through Lynbrook on Friday 13 March, accompanied by a nineteen-year-old from Dandenong.
Police arrested both boys the same day.
They also seized what they believe to be an imitation firearm.
The Lynbrook boy appeared in the Dandenong Children’s Court, charged with attempted armed robbery and two counts of reckless conduct endangering life in relation to the pursuit.
He was further held in custody and made no application for bail. The other teenager was also charged in relation to the pursuit with theft of motor vehicle and was released by the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on Saturday 14 March.
It is understood the 17-year-old offender approached the victim around 6.30am outside a Sommerville Road childcare centre after the father dropped his kids off.
Senior Sergeant Michael Harris from Dandenong police station said this was a particularly scary incident given it happened right out the front of a childcare centre.
The attacker, who was wearing a yellow bandana over his face, pointed a silver handgun at the victim and threatened to shoot him if he didn’t give him money.
But when the victim said he had no money, the offender fled the scene in a silver Mazda sedan.
The victim was not harmed in the incident.
Around 8.30am that morning the same car, believed to have been stolen, was detected in Elliot Parade Lynbrook and was then involved in a frightening police chase that had to be called off as it became too dangerous.
It’s believed the car blew up after it caught fire and was dumped at Moreton Bay Boulevard near the Western Port Highway. Police said investigations into the possiblity of other offenders being involved were continuing.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
