Teenage assault on Sunshine grocer sparks police patrol boost

A 60-year-old grocery owner in Sunshine was left in critical condition after five teenagers attacked him, prompting authorities to increase patrols in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Van Viet Truong, the 60-year-old proprietor of Hong Hung Asian Grocery in Sunshine, was seriously injured after confronting a group of five teenagers who had tried to rob a neighboring store. The youths assaulted him on Hampshire Road, and he was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have charged the three boys (12, 13, 15) and two girls (both 14) with affray, violent disorder and causing serious injury.

The incident has triggered an outcry from local traders and five western suburb mayors, who called for extended police station hours. Acting Commander Troy Papworth responded by pledging 24-hour patrols throughout Sunshine, Footscray and surrounding areas such as Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton. Community members, including relatives arriving from Vietnam, describe Truong as a friendly, well-served businessman who had recently launched a mentoring program with MP Sarah Connolly and was planning retirement.