A man has been charged with attempted murder and causing serious injury following the shooting of a police sergeant at a Preston hotel.
Police were called to the Sleep & Go Bell City Preston Hotel about 7.30pm on Thursday after reports a man was threatening to self-harm.
Leading Senior Constable Adam West said the shooting occurred after officers entered the hotel room.
“An officer’s gun was discharged during a struggle and he received a gunshot wound to the leg,” he said.
A police spokeswoman confirmed the firearm used in the shooting belonged to the police officer.
Alex, who did not give her last name, was returning to her room from the hotel gym when dozens of police arrived in the reception area.
“The cops were really worried, they were anxious.”
She watched as the injured police officer, with his leg bound and blood seeping through, was put into an ambulance.
A relative of the man was seen outside the hotel after the incident.
He said his relative was aged in his 40s and had been living at the hotel.
“I’m just glad the cop isn’t seriously hurt,” he said.
Both the injured officer and the man – a 42-year-old from Preston – were taken to hospital with non-life threading injuries.
The man has since been remanded in custody, and is expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.
For help or information visit beyondblue.org.au, call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251, or Lifeline on 131 114.
– With Jane Lee
