Chilling new details have emerged from a Victoria Police search warrant, painting a terrifying picture of an alleged planned family shooting in the quiet Victorian town of Porepunkah.
The warrant, authorised by a magistrate and seen by Guardian Australia, reveals investigators believe a 42-year-old local man was preparing for a violent attack on 25 August. The documents allege his intention was to shoot his family members at a property on Pioneer Drive.
The Alleged Plan and Arsenal
According to the warrant, police uncovered a cache of weapons and a specific plan. The alleged hit list included the man's father, stepmother, and brother. Authorities claim to have found evidence of a .22 calibre rifle, a significant quantity of ammunition, and a bow and arrows at the man's residence.
Most disturbingly, the warrant states police discovered a note. This note allegedly detailed the man's grievances and outlined his horrific intentions, providing a deeply unsettling window into his mindset prior to the intervention.
A Community on Edge
The peaceful community of Porepunkah, nestled near Bright in Victoria's alpine region, was thrown into turmoil. The police operation culminated in a dramatic siege at a property on Greenfield Drive, a quiet street that became the centre of a major emergency response.
Specialist police units, including critical incident responders and negotiators, were deployed to contain the situation and ensure public safety. The standoff brought the town to a standstill, leaving residents in a state of shock and fear.
The Outcome and Ongoing Proceedings
The siege was ultimately resolved without physical harm to the public or police. The 42-year-old man was taken into custody and has since been charged with a range of serious offences.
He faced Wangaratta magistrates court on charges of prohibited person possess firearm, possess cartridge ammunition without licence, criminal damage, and common law assault. The man was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court at a later date for a filing hearing.
While the immediate threat has been neutralised, the incident has left an indelible mark on the small community, raising serious questions about family violence and firearm accessibility.
