Three patched members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) have been arrested in early morning regional raids following an assault.
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Law enforcement conducted early morning searches at three addresses in North Bendigo and Epsom in Victoria as well as a club house in Long Gully.
Three men have been taken into custody and will undergo police interviews. They are identified as:
- A 49-year-old man from North Bendigo, believed to be the president of the Rebels OMCG.
- A 28-year-old man from Epsom, believed to be a sergeant at arms within the Rebels.
- A 25-year-old man from Epsom, identified as a patched member of the Rebels.
These arrests follow an incident that occurred on May 15, where a man was "seriously assaulted" outside his residence in North Bendigo at about 9.45pm.
"This is an unprovoked and callous assault on a completely innocent member of the public simply going about his own business," Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan said.
"Organised crime entities living in more rural parts of the state who think their distance from the city affords them a level of anonymity or impunity - you are mistaken.
"It's important for members of the community to understand that when incidents like this one do take place, we will thoroughly investigate, and those involved will be held to account."
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According to police, the victim had been working on his vehicle when a motorbike sped past his address.
The man waved for the bike to slow down.
Shortly after, two men returned to the scene in a white Commodore Ute displaying Rebels colours.
The proceeded to assault the victim, according to police.
A third man then arrived in a twin cab ute and joined the assault.
The victim's partner, on hearing the commotion, intervened and all three offenders fled the scene.
The man was then transported to hospital to receive treatment for "significant but non-life threatening injuries".
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage.