Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have charged a 32-year-old patched Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) member in relation to a serious assault that occurred in Bunbury during the early hours of Sunday, 31 March 2024.
About 4am, the victim – an 18-year-old man – was standing outside a licensed premise on Victoria Street with a group of people, including the accused who is not know to him.
It will be alleged; the accused punched the victim once in the torso and once in the face without warning.
The impact of the punch caused the victim to fall backwards onto the road. He received treatment from Bunbury Regional Hospital, and Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment of a broken jaw (full displaced break).
Inquiries by Gang Crime Squad indicate the accused and other members of the Bandidos OMCG acted violently and created a disturbance inside licenced premises in the hour leading up to the assault.
On Wednesday, 10 April 2024, the 32-year-old Pelican Point man was arrested at Perth Airport and charged with one count each of Grievous Bodily Harm, Fighting in Public Causing Fear and Possessed a Controlled Weapon.
He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11 April 2024.
Inquiries remain ongoing and detectives urge anyone who witnessed this assault or the events leading up to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au
As a result of the arrest, Gang Crime Squad executed a number of search warrants in Bunbury and the surrounding area as part of a continued effort to disrupt the activities of the Bandidos OMCG.
Officer in Charge of the Gang Crime Squad, A/Detective Inspector Anthony Thompson said the quick arrest sends a clear message to OMCG members.
“We simply will not tolerate bikie related violence or anti-social behaviour spilling onto our streets,” A/Detective Inspector Thompson said.
“We will not stop with this arrest. The Bandidos OMCG will certainly be subject to further investigation.
“In fact, all OMCG members in regional WA can rest assured they have our ongoing focus as we continue to use the full suite of powers available to us to disrupt the anti-social and violent behaviours associated with these groups.
“The WA Police Force and Gang Crime Squad will not tolerate OMCG members attending licenced premises to intimidate patrons and inflict violence on community members.
“Outlaw motorcycle Gang members who act in this manner in licensed premises can expect barring notices to accompany any criminal charges.”
End Release
Police Media Unit
10 April 2024
MEDIA REF: 21336
