Two arrested, firearms seized in Chirnside Park

By Mikayla van Loon

Police have arrested two men and seized firearms after a stolen car crashed at Chirnside Park.

Emergency services were called to reports a car had crashed into a tree off Ramset Drive about 11.10pm on 31 August.

Officers arrived and discovered the red Toyota Camry unattended. The vehicle was allegedly stolen from Noble Park on 27 August.

It was also allegedly involved in a road rage incident on Manchester Road at Mooroolbark where a firearm was produced about 10.10pm.

Lilydale Senior Sergeant Ray White said he was quite concerned about a weapon being used on the male driver of the vehicle.

“A gentleman attended Mooroolbark police station and provided a statement,” he said.

“Any incident where firearms are produced is a concern and where firearms are pointed at a civilian are even more of a concern.”

Canine units searched the area and two men were arrested nearby without incident, meaning police nor the individuals involved were injured during the arrest.

Senior Sergeant White said using a dog to track the whereabouts of the two men is very common in those types of occurrences and the canine unit is often the “first point of call” to track the location of offenders possessing firearms.

Senior Sergeant White couldn’t confirm how far away the men got before being located by police.

Upon arrest, officers located two firearms in the possession of one of the men.

A 27-year-old Ringwood man and a 27-year-old Launching Place man are currently assisting investigators with their enquiries.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle, particularly in the Lilydale area, or has information that could assist police with their enquiries to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.