Police have laid charges following last night’s incident involving a 27-year-old man, believed to be Yarrawonga premiership player Jess Koopman, who was injured after a firework explosion.
Officers from the Cobram Crime Investigation Unit have confirmed the charge.
It is alleged a 45-year-old man supplied the commercial grade manufactured firework that injured Jess Koopman, after he attempted to ignite it on Tuesday, September 26.
A 25-year-old man was also arrested in relation to the incident and is assisting police with their enquiries.
It is understood a group of people were celebrating the end of a football season by letting off fireworks in the intersection of Dunlop and Gilmore Streets just after 11pm.
The injured man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
Police seized a quantity of commercial grade manufactured fireworks from the scene.
A search warrant was executed at a property in Benalla Road on Wednesday, September 27 about 9.30am, where a Yarrawonga man was arrested.
The man has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and possess explosive substance.
The man was bailed to appear before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 4.
In a statement provided by Yarrawonga Football Netball Club, Football Manager Leigh Ramsdale believed Koopman was in a serious condition before he was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
“It was critical when he was flown out but we haven’t got a clear indication yet,” he said.
“He’s on a ventilator as they are worried about his airways, eyes and facial injuries.”
Koopman, is highly regarded as one of Yarrawonga’s stars and played in the Pigeons 4 point win over Albury in the grand final on Sunday in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League.
“He’s one of our most loved players for many reasons, he’s a bit of a character and a typical cheeky small forward,” Ramsdale said.
Ramsdale said Koopman has been loyal to the club, after having opportunities to go to other clubs.
“We love him as a bloke and he is a good character around the club.
“It is a sad circumstance but the club is gathering around his family to provide whatever support is needed.”