youth charged after pakenham home invasion.

Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged a 17-year-old boy following an alleged aggravated home invasion in Pakenham where a firearm was discharged inside a residential property earlier this month.

Police allege two males forced entry into a home shortly before 6am on 2 May and confronted one of the residents. During the incident, it is alleged a firearm was discharged before the offenders fled the scene. Fortunately, the resident and several others inside the property at the time were not physically injured.

The teenager, arrested on 12 May, has since been charged with offences including aggravated home invasion, assault with a firearm, reckless conduct endangering life, theft of a motor vehicle and criminal damage by fire. Police believe the incident may be linked to a broader investigation under Operation Eclipse, targeting organised violent offending across Victoria.

Home invasions involving firearms can have a profound and lasting emotional impact on victims of crime, even where physical injuries are avoided. The trauma associated with having personal safety threatened inside the home can remain long after the incident itself.

In Victoria, victims of crime affected by violent incidents may be eligible to apply for support through the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). The scheme can assist with counselling, psychological treatment, and other recovery-related expenses.