Siege after police allegedly shot at in St Albans

AN armed man allegedly on the run after a drug raid in Melbourne’s west sparked a five-hour “siege” at an empty house has handed himself in, police have confirmed.

AN armed man allegedly on the run after a drug raid in Melbourne’s west sparked a five-hour “siege” at an empty house has handed himself in, police say.

Nghi Le, 33, was allegedly on the run after the incident about 6am.

“Police have arrested a man they were searching for after a warrant was executed at a St Albans address this morning,” police said.

“The 33-year-old St Albans man was arrested without incident after he handed himself in to police in the CBD about 3.40pm.”

Le allegedly escaped authorities after a shot was fired through a window when officers raided a house to search for drugs, according to police.

An officer fired back before officers retreated to safety.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana alleged Le was able to “sneak out” in the dark while officers moved to safety.

The incident sparked a five-hour “siege” involving heavily-armed officers who surrounded the house, believing somebody was still inside, before storming in to discover it was empty.

Mr Fontana said: “We’re not just going to go into an address when a person’s firing at us.

“It’s a high-risk operation.”

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A police dog arrives at the scene of the St Albans siege. Picture: Hamish Blair

Detectives stormed 10 homes across Melbourne this morning as part of Operation Seadragon, arresting eight people.

Another suspect is in custody in New South Wales.

Detectives say they found a clandestine drug laboratory in the St Albans house.

Drugs and firearms were also seized from properties in Maribyrnong, Sunshine, Cairnlea and in Melbourne’s CBD.

Morning drama blocked off streets

Earlier streets around Levenia St in St Albans were closed after the drama unfolded at 5.30am.

Special Operations Group members, some dressed in camouflage, rushed to the scene and surrounded the streets with automatic weapons trained on the house.

Heavily-armed masked officers patrol the streets around the house. Picture: Hamish Blair

At one point a heavily armoured vehicle was used to smash down a front fence.

Police with oxygen tanks and breathing masks entered the home more than four hours after the standoff began to search the property.

A police spokeswoman said: “The area was cordoned off until police could enter the property safely.

“A search was conducted and no one was found in the premises.”

On officer takes up position. Picture: Hamish Blair

Police, including some officers in camouflage clothing, on watch. Picture: Hamish Blair

The siege lasted more than four hours. Picture: Hamish Blair

Police in gas masks prepare to move into the house. Picture: Hamish Blair

Heavily-armed police keep watch on the property in Levenia St. Picture: Hamish Blair

Heavily-armed police outside the property. Picture: Hamish Blair

An armoured police vehicle rams a fence at the house. Picture: Hamish Blair

Armed police patrol streets outside the home. Picture: Hamish Blair

An armed officer at the scene. Picture: Hamish Blair

A neighbour runs from the scene. Picture: Hamish Blair

Shots were fired, police say, as they raided the property early this morning, prompting the strong response. Picture: Hamish Blair

Streets surrounding the home were blocked off. Picture: Hamish Blair

Heavily-armed inside an armoured vehicle with automatic weapons drawn. Picture: Hamish Blair

A Special Operations Group officer moves in with a shield for protection. Picture: Hamish Blair

A Special Operations Group officer with an automatic weapon drawn. Picture: Hamish Blair

A police vehicle at the scene of the siege. Picture: Hamish Blair

Uniformed police keep watch. Picture: Hamish Blair

Police direct locals away from the scene. Picture: Hamish Blair

A neighbour walks his dog. Picture: Hamish Blair

The St Albans street under lock down. Picture: Hamish Blair

The home is behind a university campus and near a primary school.

Neighbour Raj Malhotka who lives across the road from the house said he heard two shots.

“I was awake inside the house at the time when I heard two gun shots,” he said.

“My kids are still in the house getting ready for school.”

Neighbours say it is not the first time the house has been the subject of a police raid.

“Last time it was a lot more peaceful, they just came out with handcuffs on and that was it,” another neighbour said.

Levenia St, as well as parts of nearby Willis St, Curtin St, Ure St, and Kingsley St were all blocked to the public at the height of the incident.

University Park Primary School, on Lister St, was also in lock down.

The school told parents to keep children at home until advised.

Police urge anyone that may see Le not approach him and call triple-0 (000).

Originally published as Siege after police allegedly shot at in St Albans