A man has faced charges following a tragic incident in Melbourne that resulted in police shooting a woman. The event occurred yesterday evening around 5pm on Cecil Street in South Melbourne, where officers arrived in response to reports of an individual wielding a machete.
During the police operation to apprehend the suspect, a vehicle accelerated towards them, colliding with one of the officers. In an attempt to gain control of the situation, police opened fire on the car, hitting the female driver and a male passenger. The 34-year-old woman, reportedly homeless, died at the scene, while her male companion—aged 26—was taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Additionally, a male senior constable involved in the incident suffered leg injuries but was treated and later released from the hospital.
Authorities have since charged a 39-year-old man from South Melbourne with possession of a weapon and theft of a bicycle. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on August 12.
The investigation remains ongoing and is under the scrutiny of the Professional Standards Command, which is standard procedure following a police shooting that results in a fatality. Witnesses or those with information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.