A police officer could see down the barrel of a revolver as a man tried to shoot him point blank in the face, a court has heard.
Joseph George Christiansz, 37, allegedly aimed his revolver at Sergeant Sean Raab from just two metres away and repeatedly pulled the trigger, but the gun misfired.
As Sgt Raab ran for cover, Christiansz is accused of aiming his weapon at another two police officers as he ran at them.
One of those officers opened fire, hitting Christiansz three times, in the backside and arm.
Christiansz pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, using a firearm to prevent arrest and assault in the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Prosecutor Ray Gibson said the shoot-out occurred in a car park under a Melbourne high-rise building, as four cops, led by Sgt Raab surveyed two stolen cars.
When Christiansz approached one of the vehicles, Sgt Raab shouted "Police, mate. Let's have a chat," Mr Gibson said.
An alarmed Christiansz fled, before pulling the revolver from the front of his pants and trying to shoot Sgt Raab, Mr Gibson told the jury.
"Raab could see the hole in the barrel," Mr Gibson said.
"There's no doubt in his mind the movement of the muzzle was consistent with (Christianz) trying to discharge the gun.
"He thought he was going to be shot in the head."
Police say they found a fired cartridge in the chamber of Christianz's gun and five loaded bullets.
A gram of ice and $5000 in cash were found on Christianz, and another $5000 and heroin was found upstairs at his penthouse Docklands apartment, Mr Gibson said.
Defence barrister Carmen Randazzo told the Supreme Court jury the evidence would not be able to satisfy them beyond reasonable doubt that Christiansz pointed a gun at Sgt Raab or pulled the trigger.
She said there was no question Christiansz had a firearm, it was what happened after he produced it that was in dispute.
"The credit, the truthfulness, the reliability of these four police officers will be challenged," Ms Randazzo said.
The trial continues.
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