What happened near Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Footage circulating this week shows an armed man walking the streets of Melbourne’s CBD, holding a gun and smoking a cigarette, moments before a dramatic police operation. The incident culminated in a swift arrest during the morning peak hour, with officers securing a lane off Bourke Street, near Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, as part of an investigation into a series of alleged carjackings.
Timeline and police response
Authorities described a rapid response from tactical police units who swooped in as the suspect moved through the city. The arrest took place in a laneway off Bourke Street, in close proximity to Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar. Witnesses reported a flurry of activity as officers moved through laneways and a man was seen running through a lobby of an office building. Police later confirmed there is no ongoing risk to the public and that the armoured arrest will be followed by an interview with the suspect.
The broader context
Police say the arrest follows a string of alleged carjackings reported in Tarneit and North Melbourne. While the situation appeared tense in the moments after the initial sighting, authorities stressed that safety measures were in place and the immediate threat to bystanders had been contained.
What witnesses saw
A local camera captured the moment a man in a suit was seen with a firearm and a cigarette as he moved through public spaces. Later, footage showed investigators combing the scene, including the collection of cigarette butts in the area, a reminder of the careful handling required in incidents involving weapons.
Aftermath and ongoing investigation
Earlier in the incident, a bloodied man was seen being carried away on a stretcher, underscoring the severity of the encounter. Police say the arrested individual will be interviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry into the carjacking reports and any related offences. At this stage, authorities have not indicated any additional immediate threats to the public, but investigations are continuing to establish the full sequence of events.
What this means for the CBD
Incidents of this nature often prompt a visible law enforcement response in Melbourne’s central business district. While the area typically remains busy during weekday mornings, the police operation and subsequent investigation highlight the city’s ongoing focus on public safety and rapid response to reported carjackings and related offences.
Next steps
Further updates are expected as investigators review evidence from security cameras, street footage, and witness statements. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact authorities to aid the ongoing inquiry.
