By Luke Voogt
Four former Geelong detectives who prevented a murder and a potential child-hostage situation have won recognition after a decade-long wait.
“I have been fighting for recognition for those members since 2010,” said Paul Robson, then a detective sergeant.
“I could not have asked for three more experienced and professional members than I had with me on that day.”
Geelong Criminal Investigation Unit had seized $260,000 of ice 24 hours earlier, when they received a tip-off from Darwin police on November 4, 2010.
Drug dealers had arranged a hit on a man in Belmont, who they suspected was a police informant, Mr Robson said.
With no other units available at the time, the detectives had just 10 minutes to stop the potential murder near Clairvaux Catholic School, he said.
“[I] contacted the school principal whilst en route and had [them] get all the kids inside and the doors locked.”
The officers located the suspect’s car, but about 20 unsuspecting pupils were gathered just 20 metres away.
The detectives decided against wearing ballistic vests with ‘police’ on them, fearing the suspect would spot them and use the children as “human shields”.
One detective opened the car door as Mr Robson drew his handgun on the suspect.
“He went absolutely crazy,” he said.
The officers fought to pull the suspect from the car and secure his firearm.
In a violent and brutal confrontation Mr Robson slipped on a gutter and permanently injured his hand and ankle.
“[Using our firearms was not] suitable given the proximity of the children,” Mr Robson said.
“We put our lives between the kids and a loaded semi-automatic handgun.”
One of the detectives secured the suspect’s weapon, but it took two cans of capsicum spray to handcuff him.
Mr Robson said he applied for a commendation in the following weeks after being advised to do so by a superior, but the application was rejected.
He did not wish to elaborate on why he suspected the application was rejected.
Ten years later, about the three weeks ago, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton reviewed the file.
This Wednesday he awarded Mr Robson and Dave Vernon, John McKinnon and Paul Michell commendations for their bravery.
