Victoria’s police union boss ‘proud’ of officers in bungled Fitzroy raid

Body camera footage of a bungled raid in Melbourne’s inner north could exonerate police, Victorian Police Association boss Wayne Gatt says, adding he was “proud” and had no reason to doubt the officers.

Taser cameras could exonerate police officers accused of failing to identify themselves during a bungled raid in ­Fitzroy which left an innocent man badly ­injured.

Police Association boss Wayne Gatt said camera footage revealed that Critical Incident Response Team officers had repeatedly announced themselves as police before and during a search of a flat above gay bookstore Hares & Hyenas last Saturday.

Mr Gatt said contrary claims by residents did not stack up. “It simply doesn’t ­accord with the information in the ­recording, which is in existence through their Taser cams,” he told the Herald Sun.

Nik Dimopoulos was left screaming in agony after the botched raid.

Nik Dimopoulos, 47, was left with a broken arm when police mistakenly arrested him while hunting a carjacking suspect.

Victoria Police admitted they had “stuffed up” and the matter is under investigation.

The recordings will form part of the independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission probe.

The force has come under intense public scrutiny since the arrest.

But Mr Gatt said he was “proud” of the CIRT officers and had no reason to doubt them.

“People should call time on prejudging police until the investigation into this matter has been properly looked at and determined,” he said.

“We have confidence in our members and confidence the information they provided is accurate.

“They were doing their job. We should criticise them second, and support them first.”

The LGBTQI bookstore Hares and Hyenas in Fitzroy where the bungled raid took place. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Friends told the Herald Sun Mr Dimopoulos had gotten up to use the bathroom when he was confronted by what he thought were intruders in his Johnston St home.

He ran from the property, thinking the attack was targeted at the bookstore, and was thrown to the ground by police, they say.

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However officers say they repeatedly identified themselves and why they were at the flat.

“They entered the property and had a conversation with an occupant,” said Mr Gatt.

“They said they identified themselves, were in full police uniform and advised the people why they were there.

“During a further search of the premises police continuously called and identified themselves.

“Our members tell us while searching a further room they called on the suspect to show their hands and not to move.

“The person had then run and was pursued by police, who made a lawful arrest a short distance away.”

Mr Dimopoulos’ lawyer Jeremy King said his client had undergone major surgery and faces a long road to recovery.

“All involved are understandably deeply traumatised by these events. We intend on taking all steps to ensure those police officers involved are properly held to account for this incident,” Mr King said.

The investigation continues.

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