FOOTSCRAY, VIC. — Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an incident in Footscray yesterday afternoon.
It is alleged that a man was standing on the balcony of an abandoned building on Barkly Street, armed with weapons and shouting at members of the public about 1.15pm.
Footscray High School went into lockdown as a precaution.
Officers attended and attempted to negotiate with the man, who allegedly became aggressive.
Police will allege the man shot ball bearings towards police, causing damage to windows. There were no physical injuries.
After negotiations failed, police subsequently tasered the man and arrested him about 3.45pm.
The 44-year-old man was assessed by paramedics before being remanded.
Police located edged weapons, a slingshot and imitation firearms at the scene.
He’s been charged with 14 offences, including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, possession of a prohibited weapon, four counts of possession of an imitation firearm and assaulting police.
Witnesses told 7News they were “really scared” as they watched the incident unfold from their homes across the street.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
