Alleged gunman hands himself in after police shootout during Melbourne drug raid
A man has handed himself in hours after police launched a search for an alleged gunman who they said fired at officers before fleeing his home in Melbourne's west, where police found a drug lab.
The 33-year-old St Albans man was arrested without incident after he presented to CBD police about 3.40pm today.
He was on bail for drug-related offences, police said.
Police have arrested a man they were searching for after a warrant was executed at a St Albans address this morning. Picture: 7 News
During a morning raid at Levenia Street in St Albans, shots were allegedly fired at police through a window, however no-one was injured.
Heavily armed Special Operations Group officers stormed the house about 10am, but the alleged gunman had already fled.
Police said a clandestine laboratory and precursor chemicals believed to be for drug manufacturing were found inside.
"When police arrived at the property it is believed a handgun was fired a number of times," a police spokeswoman said.
"Police returned fire and the occupant of the premises fled the scene."
Roads around Leveniau Street in St Albans were shut down this morning. Photo: Twitter/Estelle Griepink
The raid was part of a wider drug sting targeting an international drug trafficking syndicate, where Drug Taskforce detectives raided properties in Melbourne’s north-west from 5.30am.
Drugs and firearms were seized after warrants were executed in St Albans, Maribyrnong, Sunshine, Cairnlea and two premises in Melbourne’s CBD.
Seven other people were earlier arrested, and all eight are currently being interviewed by police in relation to drug offences.
Those in custody are:
They include:
A 39-year-old Maribyrnong man;
A 27-year-old Maribyrnong woman;
A 26-year-old Melbourne man;
A 28-year-old Italian national;
A 44-year-old Cairnlea man;
A 56-year-old Cairnlea man; and
A 33-year-old St Albans man
A 36-year-old Burwood (NSW) man was also arrested by NSW Police in Sydney today as part of the operation and police will apply to have him extradited back to Victoria.
A nearby primary school was placed in lockdown as police searched the area for the man, around Levenia Street.
University Park Primary School principal Andrea Federico told AAP Monday morning the school was in lockdown and a message was sent to parents telling them to keep students away.
Police attempted to communicate with the gunman this morning, before realising he had already fled. Picture: Estelle Griepink, 7 News
After further instruction from police at midday, the school remained locked down and students told to stay clear.
Ms Federico said critical response officers were stationed near the school.
Jennifer Quirk, who lives three doors down from the house, said she heard the gunshots ring out.
"I didn't speak to anyone until I had to take my kids to school about 8am and they had to escort me out of the house," Ms Quirk said.
The dog squad and ambulances were also on scene but left shortly after 10am.
