A police protective services officer shot a man in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, forcing the area to be cordoned off during Friday’s peak hour.
The man had confronted PSOs with broken glass on a bridge next to Flinders Street Station.
Police said officers were responding to an unrelated incident on the Princes Street Bridge just after 5.30pm on Friday when the man approached them.
“At this early stage in the investigation, it’s believed a man armed with broken glass confronted several PSOs,” a statement said.
Police established a crime scene along Princes Bridge following the incident. Source: AAP / James Ross
“Two PSOs have deployed OC spray which didn’t appear to have any effect.
“One PSO discharged his firearm, with the man being struck once.”
He was taken to hospital with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the incident was not terror-related and there was no danger to the community.
They said Armed Crime Squad detectives would investigate with oversight by the Professional Standards Command, a normal procedure when a firearm is discharged.
Man assaulted four commuters with glass bottle
Police had been responding to an unrelated incident, with a 27-year-old man arrested in relation to an attempted robbery and assault.
Officers were told the man initially boarded a tram where he allegedly unsuccessfully attempted to rob a passengers before exiting at the Princes Bridge.
“It’s alleged the man then assaulted four people with a glass bottle, before he was arrested at the scene,” a statement said.
A 67-year-old Warneet man, a 56-year-old Collingwood woman, a 24-year-old Kennington woman and a 46-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The arrested South Melbourne man was helping police with their enquiries.
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