Updated July 17, 2026 — 5:29pm,first published 4:16pm

Police have charged a man who allegedly shot ball bearings at them during an hour-long stand-off in Footscray that sent a nearby school into lockdown.

In a statement late on Friday night, police said officers tasered and arrested the 44-year-old inside an abandoned building on Barkly Street about 3.35pm, after negotiations had broken down.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said officers allegedly located edged weapons, a slingshot and four imitation firearms at the scene.

In a statement, officers said the man would face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday, charged with 14 offences “including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, possession of prohibited weapon, possession of imitation firearm and assault police”.

“It is alleged the man shot ball bearings towards police, causing damage to windows. There were no physical injuries.”

During the stand-off, Barkly Street was blocked in both directions between French Street and Victoria Street, and the junior school at Footscray High was placed into lockdown.

School principal Jillian English advised parents of the move in an email sent on Friday afternoon.

“This afternoon we were informed by the Victorian Police of an incident occurring in a home in the vicinity of the Barkly campus of the school,” the email, seen by The Age, said.

“The police advised [us] to place the school into lockdown as a precaution. All students and staff are safe.

“Victoria Police have advised the incident is ongoing for now and as a result students cannot leave at the end of the school day at this stage.”

An Education Department spokesperson confirmed all students and staff were safe during the incident.

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