Teenager charged over $2m fire that destroyed multiple Melbourne shops
Police allege the 16-year-old boy rammed a shop on Victoria Street and set a fire that spread through neighbouring businesses.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with arson, reckless conduct endangering life, and car theft in connection with a fire that caused $2 million worth of damage to multiple Melbourne shops. The incident occurred on July 6 when an alleged stolen car was used to ram a convenience store on Victoria Street, located between Abbotsford and Richmond.
The car was then set alight, causing the fire to spread to up to 10 adjoining businesses. Two women living in one of the businesses had to flee the flames. Fire Rescue Victoria stated that it took 80 firefighters approximately an hour and a half to bring the blaze under control. Police reported that the offenders fled the scene on foot.
The teenager was arrested and charged by detectives today. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at a children's court at a later date.
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