By Nino Bucci and Joe Hinchliffe & Ebony Bowden
Police shot dead an armed robber as he allegedly pointed a sawn-off shotgun at a bottle shop owner in Melbourne's north-east.
On Sunday night a senior constable shot and killed the 48-year-old man believing the attendant at the Park Road bottle shop, in Park Orchards, was in grave danger.
The bottle shop in Park Orchard.Credit: Simon Schluter
Officers who were investigating other robberies in the area stumbled upon the robbery about 9pm.
Attendant Sean Wang was at the counter of the shop when the robber entered the shop. His adult son Kevin, who was also working, ran out the back of the store.
On Monday, Mr Wang thanked Victoria Police.
Owner Sean Wang letting in the forensic cleaners to the shop.Credit: Simon Schluter
Police shot a man dead at a bottleshop in Park Orchards on Sunday night.
"I'm a lucky man," said Mr Wang. "I thank Victoria Police. I so thank them."
Acting Deputy Commissioner Ross Guenther said several police officers were investigating a string of armed robberies when they found the man attempting to rob the shop.
“My understanding is that they’ve appeared at the bottle shop and they were in fear of the life of the attendant who was having a weapon pointed at him [so] they've discharged their firearm,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Guenther said.
“As a result of that, that male suspect is now deceased.”
A 49-year-old man and a 50-year-old man were also arrested shortly after the incident and are assisting police with their enquiries.
The police member involved, a senior constable from a specialist unit, was not injured and is receiving departmental support.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Guenther said he did not believe the police officers were acting on specific intelligence that the store would be targeted.
The bottleshop, on the corner of Hopetoun Street, sits in a strip of half a dozen stores in a residential street boasting large homes, trees and nature reserves.
The robbery occurred about half an hour after the business’ advertised closing time of 8.30pm. The Age understands no shots were fired at the officers.
The dead man is yet to be formally identified but he is believed to be known to police.
At 12.55am Monday, the street remained closed in both directions. More than 40 uniformed police officers, forensic investigators, homicide and plain-clothed detectives ensured the scene was untouched, ready for the coroner.
At least one forensics van, four police vehicles and several unmarked cars remained at the scene.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Guenther said the police officers would provide statements, and also receive welfare support.
“It’s never good when someone loses their life. That’s never an outcome that we seek,” he said.
“But we do have an obligation to protect life as well and, from what I understand, that's exactly what’s occurred tonight.”
Witness Michael Featherston wrote on social media that he had heard five to six shots.
The shooting appears to have occurred near the counter of the small store, close to the front door.
Mr Wang said he had been the victim of “a few” armed robberies and attempted armed robberies in the past, but would not say how many. He did not see the man as he was masked, and would not comment about whether he saw anyone else with him at the store.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.