PASCOE VALE SOUTH, MELBOURNE: A Melbourne primary school was placed into lockdown after a man allegedly armed with a shotgun crashed a stolen SUV just metres from the school entrance, triggering a major police operation.
The suspect was arrested within 10 minutes, and police later recovered the firearm after searching the surrounding area. No students, staff or members of the public were physically injured during the incident.
Where Did the Incident Happen?
The incident unfolded shortly after 9 a.m. on Tuesday outside Pascoe Vale South Primary School on Coonans Road in Melbourne’s north. The school had just begun the day, with students having recently arrived when the crash occurred outside the school grounds, prompting an immediate lockdown.
What Happened?
According to Victoria Police, a Volvo SUV allegedly travelling on stolen registration plates sideswiped a parked vehicle before crashing through a fence opposite the primary school.Police said the parked car contained a 14-year-old boy, who fortunately was not seriously injured.
Witnesses told investigators the driver climbed out of the damaged SUV through the passenger side, opened the rear of the vehicle and allegedly removed a shotgun before running into a nearby laneway.
The man is accused of dumping the firearm before briefly returning to the crash scene, where police officers were already arriving.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Residents and parents waiting near the school described scenes of panic as the incident unfolded.
One witness said the driver struggled to exit the crashed vehicle before retrieving an object from the boot.
“He tried to get out of the driver’s side, couldn’t, crawled across to the passenger side, grabbed something from the boot and ran down the street.”
The quick response from police meant the suspect was unable to leave the area.
School Placed Into Lockdown
As a precaution, Pascoe Vale South Primary School was immediately placed into lockdown while armed police searched the surrounding streets.
Students and teachers remained safely inside classrooms until officers confirmed the area was secure.
Victoria Police later advised there was no ongoing threat to the school community.
Suspect Arrested
Police arrested a 29-year-old Pascoe Vale South man on Parkstone Avenue, less than 10 minutes after the initial emergency call.
Investigators also recovered a firearm during a search of the area.
The man remains in custody and is expected to be interviewed by detectives.
Stolen Vehicle Investigation
Victoria Police allege the Volvo SUV had been stolen from a North Melbourne address on July 16.
Investigators also believe the vehicle was displaying stolen registration plates at the time of the incident.
Police are examining whether the suspect was involved in other vehicle thefts or related offences.
