Man charged following ‘random’ stabbing attack outside shopping centre

7 hours ago 4

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A man has been charged following a stabbing outside a shopping centre in Moonee Ponds on Monday afternoon that left another man with stab wounds to his chest and neck.

Police were called to Homer Street outside Moonee Ponds Central around 4.35pm after a verbal argument between two males escalated. Police allege a 55-year-old Fitzroy man produced a knife and stabbed a 44-year-old man from Essendon.

The victim, who sustained minor injuries, was taken to hospital in stable condition.

After the victim was stabbed, he managed to restrain the offender with the help of passers-by until police arrived and took him into custody.

On Tuesday, police charged the 55-year-old Fitzroy man with intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury and assault with a weapon.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing outside Moonee Ponds Central.

Speaking on Monday evening, Acting Inspector Raj Tillekeratne said police believed the incident was random and isolated.

Tillekeratne said that while the phrase “Allahu Akbar” was used by the offender after he was in custody, police do not believe it was said during the attack itself and there is nothing to indicate that any ideology is the motive behind the attack.

“As part of our normal inquiries, we have contacted the counter-terrorism command, and we have nothing to indicate that this is either religiously or politically motivated, so we’re just treating it as random, isolated offending,” he said.

“This male has significant mental health priors that we have had contact with him in the past. He’s been involved in minor offending. There’s nothing to indicate there’s anything other than that.”

Tillekeratne confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community, and they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. Police will be increasing patrols in the area to further reassure the community.

Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the incident.

The 55-year-old has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.