Girl, 14, allegedly stabs police officer in Darwin CBD before being tasered
· Australia
NT police arrested three youths after an officer was allegedly stabbed in Darwin yesterday. (ABC News: Mitch Abram)
A 14-year-old girl has allegedly stabbed a police officer in Darwin City before being tasered and arrested at the scene yesterday.
The police officer was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his upper arm and chest, a spokesperson said, with Commissioner Martin Dole describing the attack as "unacceptable".
The spokesperson said NT Police first received reports the girl had assaulted a security guard and damaged items inside a shopping centre on Smith Street, just before 4.30pm.
She was tracked through CCTV to nearby Cavenagh Street, where police located her with a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl.
"As officers approached the group, the boy allegedly pushed past them and fled," the police spokesperson said.
"The 14-year-old girl allegedly produced a kitchen knife and struck an officer, causing injuries to his upper arm and chest."
Police officers collect evidence following the disturbance at a Darwin city apartment complex last night. (ABC News: Mitch Abram)
The police spokesperson said a taser was deployed and the 14-year-old girl was arrested at the scene.
"The injured officer was assessed by St John Ambulance and taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries," they said.
"CCTV operators continued to track the other two youths through the CBD.
"Police established a cordon around a Tomaris Court unit complex, where both were located and arrested without incident."
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said police officers should be able to respond to calls for help without being attacked.
"No one should have to face violence at work, whether they are a police officer, a security guard or anyone else," he said.
“This was a serious incident, and I’m relieved the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening.”
The police spokesperson said Strike Force Trident is continuing to investigate, and charges are yet to be laid.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is urged to call 131 444 and quote reference number NTP2600092013," they said.
Source: ABC News - Top Stories