Peter O’Ryan has been arrested after allegedly attacking his parents and brother with an axe at a property in Tyers, Victoria, bringing a three-day search for the 48-year-old to an end.
Police detained Mr O’Ryan shortly before 9pm on Tuesday, September 8, after receiving reports of a man suspiciously loitering near Tyers-Walhalla Road. He is expected to be interviewed by detectives in relation to the alleged assault.
The incident took place at a home on Cowies Road at about 12.30pm on Saturday, September 5. Victoria Police allege Mr O’Ryan attacked his 47-year-old brother before turning on his parents following an argument.
His 76-year-old father and brother were airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne with life-threatening injuries and remained in a critical condition on Tuesday night. His 74-year-old mother was taken to hospital with critical injuries but was later reported to be stable. (
Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay previously described the injuries as “very, very extreme”, saying the victims had required urgent ambulance treatment before being flown to Melbourne for surgery.
Police said Mr O’Ryan fled the property on foot after the alleged attack and was believed to still be carrying an axe or hatchet. Officers conducted searches across Tyers and surrounding parts of the Latrobe Valley before his arrest.
The victims and Mr O’Ryan are understood to be known to one another. No charges had been laid as of Tuesday night, with the investigation continuing.
