The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested an 18-year-old male after he approached someone while in possession of a machete in Alice Springs on Monday morning.

Around 8:15am, Alice Springs Police received reports a school student had been threatened by a male in possession of a machete near a restaurant on Schwarz Crescent. The student was not injured during the incident.

The offender was located a short time later by police near a shopping centre on Hartley Street and was found to be in possession of the alleged machete, as well as a pair of scissors.

Upon the offender’s arrest, he allegedly struck a police officer with an open palm in the chest. The officer was uninjured. 

The 18-year-old remains in police custody and the weapons have been seized by police.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26040955. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.