Key Takeaways:
- Two people, a 37-year-old man and woman, have been arrested after an allegedly stolen car was driven towards police in Geelong.
- The car, a Kia Optima, was involved in a crash with a school bus carrying students from Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College.
- Police shot at the vehicle as the alleged offenders tried to flee, resulting in the man sustaining a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm.
- The woman and a female driver from another vehicle also suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital.
- The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, prompting road closures and traffic delays in the area.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Geelong suburb of Newtown, when a Kia Optima, allegedly stolen from New South Wales, was spotted by a police helicopter near the intersection of Princes Highway and Roebuck Street. The car was involved in a crash with a school bus, which was carrying students from Sacred Heart College and St Joseph’s College. The bus was stationary at the time of the crash, and young children can be heard screaming as the incident unfolded. The car then reversed into the bus before driving in the direction of at least one police officer, prompting the officer to discharge their firearm.
The Police Response
The police response to the incident was swift and decisive, with officers shooting at the car as the alleged offenders tried to flee. The man, aged 37, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to hospital under police guard. The woman, also aged 37, was taken to hospital with minor injuries. The police spokesperson confirmed that the Kia Optima had driven at officers, who had discharged their firearm, before colliding with another vehicle. The incident highlights the risks that police officers face in their daily work, and the importance of their training and expertise in responding to high-pressure situations.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The incident resulted in significant disruption to the local area, with Latrobe Terrace closed in both directions between Ryrie Street and McKillop Street at about 6pm. VicTraffic advised of long southbound delays from Church Street overpass and northbound from Fyans Street, causing inconvenience to motorists. The female driver of another vehicle involved in the incident also suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The incident is a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to drive defensively.
The Investigation
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to determine the circumstances surrounding the theft of the Kia Optima and the events that led up to the crash. The fact that the car was allegedly stolen from New South Wales raises questions about the movement of stolen vehicles across state borders and the need for greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The incident also highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing and the use of technology, such as police helicopters, in responding to and preventing crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident in Geelong highlights the complexities and challenges of policing in modern society. The incident involved a stolen car, a crash with a school bus, and a police shooting, resulting in injuries to several people. The police response was swift and decisive, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, the need for cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and the risks that police officers face in their daily work. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the community will be able to learn more about what happened on that day.
