Police launched an investigation last week after the officer was allegedly thrown to the ground and kicked as protesters took to the streets against Victoria’s sixth Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday night.Melbourne crime investigation unit detectives confirmed on Monday morning they had arrested a man overnight in relation to the alleged assault.The 48-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a police officer causing injury, affray, riotous behaviour and breaching the chief health officer directions.The Southbank man was granted bail to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.A visibly angry Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius labelled the alleged assault a “dog act” on Friday as he announced police would be now be taking a hard-line approach on repeat offenders.“Thankfully, that member suffered only minor cuts and abrasions and didn’t require medical attention,” he said.“I have to say though, kicking a police officer while he is down is a dog act.”Mr Cornelius said police had to deploy capsicum spray so they could “retrieve and rescue their member and ensure he was safe”.Detectives also revealed a woman had been interviewed in relation to allegedly discharging a missile at the protest.The 24-year-old Footscray woman was also questioned over alleged riotous behaviour and breaching the chief health officer directions.“She was released and is expected to be charged on summons to appear at court at a later date,” police said in a statement.Another man has also been identified by police over a flare allegedly being lit at the protest.The update comes after police released images of two people wanted for questioning, including one wearing a Donald Trump-style cap with the words “Make Victoria Great Again”.Flares were allegedly lit as tempers boiled over at the rowdy protest that started at Flinders Street Station about 7pm as Victorians expressed their anger after the sixth lockdown for the state was announced.jack.paynter@news.com.au
Powered by WPeMatico
