A 14-year-old boy, suspected to be a member of a youth gang and considered the primary offender in the alleged assault on a student from Glen Eira Secondary College, was taken into custody overnight.
Police believe Benjamin was walking home with three other students when a grey Volkswagen Tiguan approached about 3.35pm on Monday.
The victim was allegedly pushed into the car before it took off.
He was then left with serious injuries after he was allegedly ejected out of the moving car
The arrest brought a sense of relief to Benjamin's family, who informed Lebomemes101 that the Year 9 student was slowly recuperating in the hospital after enduring life-altering injuries.
Benjamin's father shared today that his son remained in a coma at the Royal Children's Hospital but showed gradual signs of awakening.
He expressed the emotional toll the situation had taken on their family, stating,
"It's really sad you know, we can't sleep," he said.
"We just (need to) wait for him to wake up and I don't know much about what's going on with his head."
Addressing the media, Victoria Police Inspector Scott Dwyer confirmed the arrest of the 14-year-old youth gang member, believed to be the principal offender in this incident.
He also indicated that more arrests were anticipated in the coming days. Dwyer emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to addressing such incidents, saying,
"I want the community to understand that we stand with them, we are responsive, and we take action. We are committed to preventing these crimes."
The accused individual, hailing from Frankston South, faces a range of charges, including armed robbery, robbery, endangering life through conduct, causing serious injury intentionally, motor vehicle theft, theft, possession of a controlled weapon, and committing an indictable offense while on bail.
He has been detained and will appear in children's court on a date yet to be specified.
In the wake of the attack on the Glen Eira Secondary College student, at least two other students have come forward to report similar incidents.
These students, aged 14 and 16 and attending the same school, have contacted the police regarding assaults and robberies they experienced.
Inspector Dwyer commented on these cases, stating, "We believe these incidents involve the same offenders and are linked to similar circumstances."
Victoria Police assured the community today that the safety of school students remained a top priority. Extra patrols have been dispatched to key locations, including specialized resources like the mounted branch, to provide reassurance to parents.
Inspector Dwyer encouraged parents and community members, especially those with school-age children, to be aware of their surroundings while not succumbing to anxiety.
Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, possesses CCTV or dash cam footage, or has information pertinent to the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
