Northern Territory Police have arrested two men in relation to an assault police and weapons offences incident that occurred in Darwin yesterday.
Around 2:40pm, two officers from the Territory Safety Division (TSD) were exercising along the Nightcliff foreshore on Casuarina Drive, when they observed a group of people consuming alcohol and arguing with each other. The officers called additional members from the TSD to assist in moving the group on as they were consuming alcohol in public and interfering with the public’s use of the area.
The officers identified themselves as police and requested the group tip out their alcohol. Two men in the group became agitated and allegedly threatened the officers, suggesting one of them had scissors in his pocket. One offender proceeded to punch one of the officers in the face, causing a large laceration, while the other offender reportedly pulled a metal pole out of the ground and threatened the officers with it.
A member of the public passing by stopped to render assistance and the injured officer retreated into her car. The offenders chased after the second officer, and allegedly threw the metal pole at him, narrowly missing.
A marked police vehicle with additional officers from the TSD arrived on the scene and the two men were arrested after a short foot chase.
The injured officer was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment for his injuries.
The two offenders aged 20 and 22-years-old were charged with:
- Assault Police
- Threats of injury or cause detriment
- Damage to property
- Engage in violence conduct
- Armed with an offensive weapon
- Nuisance public drinking
- Intentionally endangering safety on road
- Breach bail
Both men were remanded to appear in court later today.
Acting Senior Sergeant of the Territory Safety Division Alexander Noonan said, “It is completely unacceptable to assault police officers who are performing their duty in protecting the community, and these two offenders will face the court for their actions.
“Police would like to the thank the member of the public who put herself in harm’s way by intervening in the assault, assisting the officers involved, and reducing the risk of the officers coming to further harm.”
Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or anti-social behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency, dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
