A 22-year-old male appeared in the Katherine Magistrates Court today in relation to a disturbance in Ngukurr on Saturday night.
Superintendent, Arnhem and Western Division, Danny Bacon said that the alleged offender attended the Ngukurr Health Clinic, operated by Sunrise Aboriginal Health Service, shortly before 9:50 pm and made threats to clinic staff.
“It is alleged the man was armed with a knife when he tried to gain entry to the clinic by kicking and punching the door.
“The offender then allegedly proceeded to assault a man who was in the vicinity of the clinic and threw a knife towards a man who was pushing a pram with a young child.
“The offender entered a vehicle that was parked near by and attempted to start it, but was unsuccessful. He then went back to the clinic, still armed with a knife, and continued to threaten staff.
“The man was arrested by Police but his abusive and threatening behaviour continued while he was being placed in the back of the Police vehicle. When being assessed by clinic staff, he spat in the face of one of the staff and made further threats.
“While members were in attendance of the disturbance at the clinic, armed youths unlawfully entered the Police Compound. It is believed the youths were attempting to steal petrol but were unsuccessful.
“Earlier that night, Police received a report of approximately 120 people fighting and armed with weapons in the vicinity of the clinic. One man was arrested for fighting in public and taken to the clinic by Police for treatment.
“Extra Police from the Territory Response Group and Dog Operations Unit have been sent to Ngukurr Community to assist in the apprehension of other offenders involved in the large disturbance,” said Superintendent Danny Bacon.
The 22-year-old man has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, assault, unlawfully damage property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, threats to kill and going armed in public.
Calm has been restored to the community following the weekend events.
Police will work together with Yugul Mangi Elders in Ngukur Community to ensure that there is a mutual understanding that this type of behaviour and violent acts will not be tolerated.
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