Wallan siege: Man arrested after seven-hour stand-off
An armed man has been arrested “without incident” after he held police at bay for several hours inside a regional Victorian house, with a scared neighbour recalling the moment she first realised the drama was unfolding.
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An armed man has been arrested “without incident” after he held police at bay for several hours inside a regional Victorian house.
Police made the arrest just before 7pm after the man barricaded himself inside a house in Forbes Boulevard, Wallan, about 60km north of Melbourne.
The area had been in lockdown since 12pm, with neighbours told to stay inside, as police negotiated with the Wallan 22-year-old.
The man was the only person inside the house, police said.
Neighbour Gloria Brook said it was a “scary” situation not knowing what was happening.
“I wanted to take the dog out but the copper said ‘go inside because he’s got a gun’,” Mrs Brook said.
She said she spent the day inside with her golden retriever dog Rocky for company.
“I’m all right, I’ve got my dog here and my walking stick. They wouldn’t want to come in here.”
A siege in Wallan Victoria is now in its third hour. It is believed to be a family violence issue. More to come. @abcmelbourne @ABCemergency pic.twitter.com/1FWEgzuSKA
— Evelyn L (@Evelyn_Leckie) January 10, 2019
Armed officers were stationed in Mrs Brook’s backyard and others out the front of her house.
She said Specialist Operations Group officers, uniform police and plain-clothed detectives had stormed the street.
Mrs Brook said she first realised the unfolding drama when she went to check her mail this morning.
“I went to the letterbox and there were police there, they said ‘you’ve got to go back inside madam’. I guess you’ve got to do as you’re told.”
Mrs Brook said she had lived in the street 26 years and it was usually quiet.
“It’s scary,” she said.
“This is very out of the ordinary. Neighbours are all wondering what’s going on?”
She said it was believed the man who usually lived at the home was away in Euroa.
A large police presence was at the scene and nearby streets had been blocked.
Another neighbour praised the actions of police.
“I don’t think anyone’s too worried,” he said.
“Police had it under control. He’s not holding anyone to ransom or anything.”
The neighbour said it was typically a quiet area.
“We have had the odd siege out here but the basic lot of people who live in Wallan are good people. As far as crimes go there is the odd one but not a lot.”
