A Geelong man will remain behind bars after a terrifying domestic incident escalated into a full-scale police siege in Bell Park's quiet streets.
Peter Banzic faced Geelong Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where he was formally refused bail following the dramatic standoff that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon. The 35-year-old now confronts multiple serious charges that could see him imprisoned for years.
The Siege That Shook a Suburb
Emergency services descended on Banksia Street around 4pm Wednesday after reports of a violent domestic disturbance. What began as a routine call quickly transformed into a critical incident, with police establishing a perimeter and specialist units rushing to the scene.
Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as negotiators attempted to communicate with Banzic, who was allegedly holding a woman against her will inside the property. The standoff stretched for hours, with neighbouring residents ordered to remain indoors as the drama unfolded.
Charges That Carry Heavy Consequences
Banzic now faces a string of serious allegations including:
- False imprisonment
- Assault with a weapon
- Unlawful assault
- Contravening a family violence intervention order
- Criminal damage
- Being a prohibited person possessing a firearm
The court heard disturbing details of the alleged assault, with prosecutors claiming Banzic used a weapon during the incident. The firearm charge adds another layer of seriousness to the case, carrying potential mandatory minimum sentences under Victoria's strict gun laws.
Bail Denied Amid Community Safety Concerns
Magistrate Franz Holzer delivered the bail refusal decision, citing substantial concerns about community safety and the risk of Banzic interfering with witnesses. The prosecution successfully argued that releasing the accused posed an unacceptable risk to public safety.
"This was not just a domestic dispute—it was an incident that required specialist police resources and put an entire neighbourhood on edge," a police source revealed after the court proceedings.
A Community Left Reeling
Bell Park residents expressed shock at the violence that erupted in their typically peaceful suburb. Several neighbours reported hearing raised voices and disturbances before police vehicles flooded the street.
"You never expect this to happen on your doorstep," one local resident told media. "Seeing armed police and hearing negotiators through loudspeakers—it was surreal and frightening."
Victoria Police praised the coordinated response that ultimately resolved the situation without physical injury to the victim or officers involved. The successful negotiation and peaceful resolution demonstrated the effectiveness of police crisis management protocols.
Banzic will return to court at a later date as investigations continue and prosecutors prepare their case. The matter is expected to progress through Victoria's higher courts given the seriousness of the charges.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden domestic violence crises unfolding in communities across regional Victoria, often only coming to light when they escalate into public emergencies.
