By Ava Cashmore
A 21-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged following a reckless e-bike hooning incident involving approximately 100 youths in Albert Park earlier this year.
The charges come after a large-scale public disturbance on 8 February, when a large group riding dirt bikes, bicycles and e-bikes were reported to police for causing traffic chaos along Lakeside Drive around 4pm.
The group allegedly blocked both lanes of Ross Gregory Drive, causing multiple emergency calls from other road-users.
One rider allegedly performed a burnout that left his dirt bike stuck in chain bollards.
Two police officers attempted to assist, but were surrounded and verbally abused by several riders.
The group’s behaviour escalated, with some reportedly using their bike wheels to flick rocks at a police vehicle.
Police allege that one rider on a modified e-bike performed a stationary burnout against the back of the police vehicle, causing some visible damage.
Following an investigation, Port Phillip Neighbourhood Policing Team officers executed a search warrant at a home on Camms Road, Cranbourne, at 6am on Tuesday 6 May.
Police seized cannabis, cannabis seeds, electronic devices and clothing believed to be linked to the investigation.
The Cranbourne man was arrested and charged with unlicensed driving, using an unregistered motor vehicle, criminal damage, cultivating a narcotic plant, and possessing cannabis.
Police are reminding the public that modified e-bikes and e-scooters may be classified as motorcycles if their power output exceeds 200 watts, requiring a valid licence and registration under the Road Safety Act.
South Melbourne Police Senior Sergeant, Travis Costelow, said “seeing such a large group of people – especially youths – attempting to not only intimidate police and other road users, but cause dangerous disruptions to traffic, is something we simply won’t stand for.
The man has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 July.
