Bayonet Head bushfire: Three people charged with criminal damage by fire and stealing a motor vehicle

Three people have been arrested and charged over an alleged stolen vehicle arson that sparked a bushfire advice on Saturday in Bayonet Head, about 8km north of Albany. Police allege that a 14-year-old male, a 27-year-old man, and a 44-year-old woman stole a 2022 Ford Ranger worth $80,000 from a panel beater business in Centennial Park on Friday. The 27-year-old man allegedly also tried to steal a Hyundai Elantra. The trio are accused of breaking a gate at the business as they were leaving, before driving the car around. Police say the Ford Ranger was driven into bushland near Cullinan Terrace and Stranmore Terrace in Bayonet Head about 8.40am on Saturday. The woman and the 14-year-old male allegedly set the vehicle on fire while it was parked in bushland, sparking a bushfire advice for the area. The fire raged within 200m of homes. Albany Police have charged the 14-year-old and the woman with criminal damage by fire and steal motor vehicle. The 27-year-old man, who had an outstanding warrant for allegedly failing to appear in court, has been charged with criminal damage by fire, trespassing, steal motor vehicle, attempting to steal a motor vehicle, and no authority to drive. All three appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Sunday where the 14-year-old and the woman were remanded in custody. The 14-year-old will next appear in Albany Childrens Court on November 22, and the woman will appear on December 12. The 27-year-old man was granted bail and will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on December 5.