Shocking footage shows police using a baton and Taser to subdue a woman who allegedly set fire to a Melbourne petrol station.
Emergency services responded to a service station on Punt Road, Windsor, at 12:30 am on Wednesday after reports that a woman had assaulted a staff member and started a fire inside the store. The staff member was unharmed.
Police arrived to find the woman armed with an accelerant and a lighter, presenting a serious threat. Footage shows officers attempting to arrest her as she resisted, with one officer using a baton before she tried to flee. A Taser was then deployed to stop her.
Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Josh Tink stated that the Professional Standards Command reviewed the incident and found the officers’ actions justified. He noted that the footage does not fully depict the danger posed, emphasising the immediate risk of fire near flammable fuel pumps. Officers acted swiftly to prevent further harm.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, causing only minor damage to the store.
The 46-year-old Windsor woman was arrested and charged with criminal damage by fire, theft, resisting arrest, and unlawful assault. She has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 2.
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