By JESSE GRAHAM
UPDATE: Thursday, 22 October
INTERSTATE fugitives, Gino and Mark Stocco were spotted this morning in Castella by police, and are believed to still be in the area.
Victoria Police announced this morning that the pair, sighted yesterday in Glenburn, were spotted by police at 1am on Thursday, 22 October, heading north on the Melba Highway in Castella.
“The police unit began following the vehicle, which sped off at a fast rate of speed towards Glenburn,” a police spokesperson said.
“A decision was made not to engage with the occupants of the vehicle and the sighting was radioed through to other units in the area.
“Police lost sight of the vehicle, however still believe the father and son are in the area.”
Other media outlets have reported that the pair may have been travelling at 140 kilometres per hour along the road, though a police spokesperson said Victoria Police would not comment on the alleged speed.
The spokesperson cited “safety reasons” for not pursuing the pair.
“A risk assessment was conducted and a decision was made not to engage in a pursuit due to safety reasons,” they said.
A large police presence is expected in the area surrounding Glenburn, as officers increase patrols to track down the fugitives.
Anyone who may have seen the pair, or their white Toyota Landcruiser, with New South Wales registration plates of BV70WP, is asked to call 000 immediately.
Residents should not approach the men if seen, as police consider them armed and dangerous.
More as it comes.
Recent photographs of Gino and Mark Stocco, who are currently at large near the Yarra Valley. 145908 Picture: CONTRIBUTED
Earlier:
POLICE are on the hunt for interstate fugitives who may be in hiding near the Yarra Valley, with a 100 square kilometre search zone established.
On Wednesday 21 October, Victoria Police announced that New South Wales fugitives Gino and Mark Stocco had been spotted heading south on the Melba Highway from Glenburn.
The men, aged 57 and 35, are believed to have been spotted re-fuelling a stolen Toyota Landcruiser in Glenburn before driving south on the highway, and police set up a command post in nearby Yea, stationing officers as the search began for the pair.
The duo are wanted in regards to allegedly shooting at a police vehicle near Wagga Wagga on Friday 16 October, among other offences.
Task Force Fugitive has joined the search for the men, and police established a 100 square kilometre search zone around Yea, where the men are believed to have worked in 2010.
The search area takes in Marysville, Yarra Glen, Kinglake and surrounding areas.
The 2013 Landcruiser, with a registration plate BV7 0WP and white bullbars, has a 145-litre fuel tank and can travel about 800 kilometres before needing to refuel.
The car was carrying a green esky and two blue chairs in the tray.
Victoria Police have said Gino is believed to have grey hair, a grey beard and brown eyes, while Mark has dark brown, medium-length hair, a dark brown beard and brown eyes – though Mark may now be clean-shaven.
The men are believed to have contacts in the state and are believed to be armed.
Residents are asked not to approach the men but to call triple-zero (000) immediately if spotted.
