In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old man from Snake Valley is set to be charged by police after allegedly carjacking a 70-year-old woman and holding a father and his one-year-old child hostage in their Melbourne home. The dramatic incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, leaving residents of the quiet suburb of Weir Views in disbelief.
Alleged Carjacking Sparks Police Chase
According to police reports, the suspect, who was known to authorities, allegedly carjacked the elderly woman in Snake Valley around 2:30 pm on Tuesday. The incident triggered a police pursuit, with the man leading officers on a chase to Melton in Melbourne’s outer west.
Witnesses described seeing the man abandon the stolen vehicle and attempt to carjack another car unsuccessfully. He then fled on foot, with police hot on his heels.
Father and Toddler Held Hostage in Home Siege
The situation escalated when the suspect, armed with a high-powered rifle, allegedly broke into a home in Weir Views. Inside, a father and his one-year-old child found themselves at the mercy of the armed intruder.
For two and a half hours, the father and toddler were held hostage as police negotiators worked tirelessly to secure their safe release. Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Cruse revealed that officers maintained communication with the father throughout the ordeal.
“Throughout the negotiations, we attempted for him to surrender and put the firearm down,” Supt Cruse stated. “We provided safe passage for that to occur. That did not occur prior to the incident unfolding.”
– Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Cruse
Dramatic Rescue and Arrest
In a heart-stopping moment, officers managed to negotiate the safe extraction of the father and child through a front window just after 6 pm. As the rescue operation unfolded, another shot was allegedly fired inside the home, prompting police to storm the property.
Amidst the chaos, the suspect allegedly fired at officers, who returned fire. A police dog was deployed, successfully subduing the man and enabling his arrest. Miraculously, no officers were injured in the exchange.
“It’s extremely lucky [that no officers were injured], and the [alleged] offending is very serious, and it’s completely unacceptable that police members were exposed to this kind of danger.”
– Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Cruse
Suspect to Face Multiple Charges
The 26-year-old suspect remains under police guard at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he is being treated for a dog bite sustained during his arrest. Upon his expected discharge on Wednesday afternoon, he will be interviewed by detectives and is expected to face a raft of serious charges.
These charges may include:
- Aggravated carjacking
- Attempted aggravated carjacking
- Aggravated burglary
- Conduct endangering life
- Firearms offences
Community in Shock, Victims Offered Support
The brazen incident has left the normally tranquil community of Weir Views reeling. Neighbors expressed their disbelief and relief that the hostages emerged unscathed from the terrifying ordeal.
Police have assured the victims that they will receive the necessary support to cope with the trauma of their experience. “Investigators will make sure they get referrals and they’re OK, but undoubtedly, it is a terrifying incident – very, very traumatic – and we’ll need to support them through this,” Supt Cruse emphasized.
As the community begins to process the shocking events, many are left questioning how such a violent crime could unfold in their quiet neighborhood. The coming days will undoubtedly bring further details to light as the suspect faces the consequences of his alleged actions in court.
For now, residents of Weir Views are banding together, offering support to the victims and each other as they attempt to make sense of this terrifying incident that has shaken their sense of safety and security.
