Woman allegedly waving gun from stolen car shot by police in Mulgrave

A woman allegedly brandishing a gun out of a car window has been shot by police after an alleged carjacking and 12-hour pursuit across Melbourne’s east.

Victoria Police said a confrontation occurred after officers intercepted the allegedly stolen car on Police Road, Mulgrave, about 5.30am on Friday.

The scene of the shooting in Mulgrave early Friday morning.Credit: Nine News

Damian Jackson, acting commander for the southern metro region, said a man was at home with his wife and six-month-old child when a man approached him in his driveway.

“The husband has seen a bulge around the male’s waist, believed that to be a gun, and the vehicle has subsequently been taken,” Jackson said.

Following this, Jackson said witnesses had reported seeing a gun pointed out of the stolen car, which had reached speeds of up to 110km/h during the overnight chase.

He said a male police officer fired two rounds into the car when he saw the woman allegedly point the gun at the man driving the vehicle.

“A 29-year-old woman, who was in the car and armed with a firearm, was shot by police,” police said.

“She has been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening upper body injuries and is currently under police guard.”

The 27-year-old Noble Park man was also arrested at the scene.

Jackson said the investigation was ongoing and urged witnesses to come forward.

“We’re aware of a couple of the incidents, but there’s clearly been several others where that firearm has been pointed at several other vehicles,” he said.

Roads were blocked around Mulgrave on Friday morning.Credit: Madelaine Burke

“It was really significant and serious offending, and it would have been really quite scary for the community and people that had seen that.”

The Armed Crime Squad was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“An investigation into the matter is underway with oversight by Professional Standards Command, as is standard practice when a police firearm is discharged,” police said in a statement.

Resident Jack Wallace-Young, who lives a few doors down the road, said he became aware of the shooting when his daughter noticed police lights outside the window early on Friday morning.

“I’ve come to get bread for school lunches and noticed the whole place was cordoned off,” he said.

“I walked down and spoke to one of the officers and she informed me she’d been there since 5.30 this morning, and that’s pretty much all she disclosed.”

He said he had noticed police attending the area more often recently.

“Mulgrave and Springvale seem to be having more crime and police activity. A few streets over the other night there was a bit of a brawl or a gang argument towards Springvale south,” he said.

Surrounding streets remained closed on Friday morning. A nearby school was open, though students were diverted away from Police Road to an alternate entrance.

Jackson said police were investigating whether the woman involved was already known to them.

The incident comes less than a week after a man allegedly armed with a metal pole was shot by police during a welfare check in the southeastern Melbourne suburb of Doveton.

That man was later charged with three offences including assaulting police.

Jackson said the incidents were completely unrelated, and using their gun was a last resort for officers.

“No police member wants to come to work and have to either draw or use their firearm. We are ensuring the members involved in both incidents are given appropriate welfare.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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