Fatal Police Shooting in Yarra Junction: Woman Critical, Investigation Underway
A man is dead and a woman is in critical condition following a police shooting in Yarra Junction, east of Melbourne. The incident unfolded Wednesday evening after officers responded to reports of a domestic assault, sparking an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Police were called to an address on Warburton Highway at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, following reports that a man was assaulting a woman. Upon arrival, officers witnessed the ongoing assault, according to police statements. A confrontation ensued, resulting in one officer discharging their firearm.
Ambulance crews immediately responded to the scene, but were unable to revive the man. The woman, suffering from serious injuries, was airlifted to The Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition as of Thursday.
A forensics team meticulously gathered evidence at the Yarra Junction crime scene Wednesday evening, and the State Coroner, John Cain, visited the location both Wednesday night and again on Thursday to oversee the initial stages of the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the man and woman involved were known to each other, suggesting a pre-existing relationship.
“This is a tragic situation for all involved,” a senior official stated.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad are leading the investigation, a standard procedure following any fatal police shooting. The Professional Standards Command will provide oversight, ensuring a thorough and impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are scheduled to hold a press conference Thursday morning to provide further details. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
