Armed Crime Squad detectives have this afternoon charged a man following an aggravated burglary in Norlane yesterday afternoon.
A patrolling unit observed masked offenders fleeing an address on Station Street about 2pm on Thursday, 9 January.
It will be alleged a number of people had previously entered the property, demanding cash from the 44-year-old male occupant.
Police believe a firearm was discharged into the roof of the premises.
The occupant inside at the time was not physically injured during the incident and he was able to get to safety.
Members of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) then negotiated with a 20-year-old Bell Hill man who hid inside a neighbouring house. He exited the property just before 6.30pm and was arrested at the scene.
The man was interviewed by investigators this morning and has subsequently been charged with aggravated home invasion, common law kidnap, armed robbery, two counts of common law assault, prohibited person possess firearm and commit a schedule 1 offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates' Court on Monday, 13 January.
A sawn off longarm firearm was located hidden inside the roof of the property.
Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
