Drive-by shooting near Melbourne police station leaves one dead

A young man was killed in what police believe was a targeted drive-by shooting outside a police station in Melbourne’s inner north early on January 3.

The shooting occurred just after midnight, when a car drove past and opened fire on two young men walking across the road from the police station in Fitzroy, per British media.

An officer inside the station heard two gunshots and immediately went outside to investigate, Acting Detective Inspector Brett Meadows told reporters on Saturday afternoon, January 3.

Outside the station, the officer found one of the men suffering from a gunshot wound and attempted to provide first aid. Additional patrol units and emergency services arrived “within minutes,” but the victim could not be saved. Meadows said he did not know the man’s exact age, describing him only as “young.”

“As soon as [the officer] heard what he believed to be gunshots, he went straight out and provided first aid and called for assistance,” Meadows said.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, though Meadows said it was too early to determine whether it was linked to gang activity or another motive. “It certainly appears to be targeted,” he said.

According to police, CCTV footage shows the two young men walking past the police station without stopping or attempting to seek help. “The two boys who go past the station don’t stop. They don’t try to get into the police station. They’re not trying to call for help. They’re seen going past twice,” Meadows said. He added that the footage indicated they did not appear to be “in any sort of hurry.”

The footage then shows a silver SUV driving past and firing two shots before fleeing the scene. The second man who had been with the victim also ran away.

Police are seeking to speak with the second man to gather more information about the shooter and are continuing efforts to identify the silver SUV involved in the attack.

By Tamilla Hasanova