Police have charged an 18-year-old male with attempted murder after an aggravated assault in Oenpelli last night.

It is alleged that there was an altercation at Banyan Camp between the offender and the 37-year-old male victim at approximately 8:15 pm.

It is believed that the victim then left the scene however was followed by the offender, who produced a knife and attempted to stab him outside the Health Clinic.

Witnesses intervened and members from Gunbalanya Night Patrol and Police attended.

Superintendent Helen Braam of the Northern Operational Services Division thanked those that assisted in the offender's apprehension.

"Community members and the Gunbalunya Night Patrol are to be commended for their outstanding bravery in tackling the offender and holding him until police arrival.

"As a result of their actions, the victim sustained only minor injuries in what must have been a terrifying incident" she said.

The offender was taken into police custody and has since been charged with:

Attempted murder
Aggravated assault
Possess controlled weapon
Going armed in public
Unlawfully damage property
Disorderly behaviour in a public place

He is remanded in custody to appear in the Darwin Magistrate's Court today.


Media contact:
Amy Sloan
8922 3365