Two men were walking near the intersection of Brunswick and King William Streets in Fitzroy, just across from Fitzroy police station, shortly after midnight when the attack happened.
Detective Acting Inspector Brett Meadows said shots were fired at the men from a moving vehicle.
A police officer who was alone at the closed police station rushed to the scene after hearing one or two shots and radioing for back up.
“He went out to investigate and located a male on the footpath with head injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, provided first aid immediately,” Meadows said.
The other man who was with the victim at the time fled.
Police are urging him to come forward.
He is yet to be identified.
Police are looking for at least one offender.
Investigations are still under way as police investigate the circumstances of the shooting.
