A disturbing incident in South Melbourne has left a community reeling after a woman was shot and killed by police.
The events leading up to the shooting are shocking, with CCTV footage revealing the moments before the fatal confrontation.
The Chase Begins
It started when a 39-year-old man, allegedly carrying a machete, was spotted at Park Towers in South Melbourne.
Police gave chase as he rode off on a scooter, with a Ford Territory driven by 33-year-old Madeline Margaret Henry following behind.
Henry was visiting the 31-storey public housing towers and had left around the same time as the police sighting.
A Desperate Scene Unfolds
As police apprehended the machete-wielding man, Henry’s SUV stopped on Church Street, with the passenger side door open.
A 26-year-old male passenger got out, claiming to be a friend of the suspect and the owner of the scooter.
The senior constable drew his gun, warning Henry not to drive the car any closer, saying “don’t you dare drive that car up here” as the front wheels crossed the broken line.
A Warning Ignored
Despite the senior constable’s repeated warnings – a total of 10 times – to “go back,” Henry allegedly continued to drive forward.
The officer pointed his gun at her, broadcasting on radio that a car was “trying to run us over here.” In a desperate attempt to stop the vehicle, the officer stabbed the front-passenger side tire with a blade.
However, the SUV mounted the footpath, coming to rest against a fence and pinning the officer’s leg between it and the bumper.
The Fatal Confrontation
As the constable stood up, he pointed his firearm and fired four times through the windscreen of the Ford. Henry died at the scene, while the senior constable was hospitalized with leg injuries.
The passenger suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, along with the 39-year-old man who was later charged.
Investigation Underway
The inquest into Henry’s death will focus on identifying the events leading up to the shooting and whether the police use of force was reasonable.
Coroner John Cain expects a brief of evidence to be filed by September 22, with the inquest’s next hearing likely in October.
The homicide squad detectives, with oversight from Professional Standards Command, are conducting a separate investigation.
A Message of Condolence
Speaking on behalf of Victoria Police’s chief commissioner, lawyer Ben Lloyd expressed condolences and regret at the loss of Henry’s life and promised to cooperate with the inquest.
The incident has left a community in shock, and the investigation will hopefully provide answers to the tragic events that unfolded.