Members attended a large disturbance involving up to 200 people in Desert Springs shortly before midnight.

On police arrival a fight broke out between two male youths to which police intervened. As one of the youths was being taken to the back of a police vehicle by a police member, he turned around and punched the officer in the face with a clenched fist.

The officer was taken to the Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.

The 17-year-old offender has been charged with:
Disorderly behaviour in a public place
Disorderly behaviour in a police station
Assault a member of the police force
Consume liquor in a public restricted area
Resist police in execution of duty
"Assaults of any kind are unacceptable and especially assaults on those very individuals who come to work to keep people safe" Territory Duty Superintendent Daniel Shean said.

"Police are equipped and trained to use force to restrain and disarm violent offenders by way of capsicum spray, tasers and firearms. We don't want to use force, no requirement for any use of force is the preferred option. However if you assault a police officer or any other member of the public, expect that a force option may be used upon you."


Media Contact
Sarah Trinne
8922 3531
0437 163 332