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Children were left in a state of panic, seeking shelter inside a school bus when a Kia Optima, reportedly stolen, backed into the bus near Matthew Flinders Girls’ Secondary College in Newtown.
The incident escalated as officers fired shots at the Kia, which allegedly accelerated towards them before colliding with another vehicle. Following the crash, a man and a woman exited the vehicle and reportedly attempted to escape on foot.
Video footage captured the chaotic scene, showing police vehicles converging at the intersection of LaTrobe Terrace and Myers Street, directly outside the school, where the suspects were apprehended.
A 37-year-old man was hospitalized under police supervision, having sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his arm.
Additionally, a 37-year-old woman was also taken to the hospital under police watch, suffering from minor injuries.
The female driver of the vehicle hit by the Kia suffered minor injuries.
The police chase began when the Kia was spotted by the police Air Wing near the intersection of the Princes Highway and Roebuck Street in the Geelong suburb of Newtown about 3.40pm.
Police have said there is no threat to the community.
“This event would’ve been absolutely terrifying for anyone who was there, let alone for the many school kids who were all on their first day of school today,” Commander Melissa Webbers said.
“I’m really dismayed to see such violent and reckless behaviour exhibited by this offender, who put our community at risk, who put our police at risk.
“We are really fortunate today that none of our community and none of our police have been injured in this incident.
“I want to assure the community the offenders for this matter are in custody and we aren’t looking for anyone else.
“There were lots of children, it was the start of the school year and it was absolutely traumatic, I’m sure for all of those people that were there.”
Witness Chaz Cheatley said he was in “disbelief” when he saw the incident unfold while waiting at a red light at the intersection of LaTrobe Terrace and Myers Street.
“I was a little bit worried, especially when I started hearing shots,” Chaz said.
“Basically felt like I was watching a movie, it was all just happening in front of me.”
Cheatley said the allegedly stolen car came “out of nowhere”, followed by police.
“They hit the traffic pole, they knocked that down, as they were trying to flee the scene they go through the intersection, and then they end up t-boning another car,” he claimed.
Armed Crime Squad detectives will investigate the incident with Professional Standards Command oversight, as is standard practice when a police firearm is discharged.
It’s alleged the Kia was stolen in NSW.
Latrobe Terrace was closed both directions between Ryrie Street and McKillop Street.
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