Northern Territory Police have condemned the violent and dangerous behaviour of a large group in Wadeye after police officers and vehicles were targeted with rocks, metal objects and an arrow during ongoing unrest in the community.
At around 5:30pm yesterday, members from the Territory Safety Division and Wadeye Police encountered a large group of males armed with various weapons moving towards the community.
A significant number of the group were observed moving through surrounding bushland in an apparent attempt to conceal their approach.
Upon encountering police, members of the group immediately became hostile and began throwing rocks, window louvres and other projectiles at police and police vehicles.
Police repeatedly attempted to disperse the group, warning that force may be used if they continued to advance. Those directions were ignored.
The group continued to move towards police while armed and throwing projectiles, requiring police to deploy tactical options to disperse the crowd and prevent them from advancing further towards residential properties.
During the incident, a person armed with a compound bow allegedly fired an arrow at police, striking a police vehicle. Police vehicles were also struck by rocks, window louvres and metal bars, causing damage.
Further tactical options were deployed and the group eventually dispersed and retreated from the area.
Police established a cordon and searched the surrounding area for further threats and any potential victims before conducting additional patrols throughout Wadeye.
The incident followed an earlier disturbance and forms part of ongoing unrest and violent behaviour experienced in Wadeye in recent weeks.
Additional police resources remain deployed in Wadeye, with General Duties and Territory Safety Division members continuing high-visibility patrols and engagement within the community.
Superintendent Virginia Read said the behaviour was completely unacceptable and placed police, residents and those involved at serious risk.
“This was an appalling display of violence. Police officers were confronted by a large armed group, repeatedly targeted with rocks, metal objects and other weapons, and an arrow was fired directly at a police vehicle.
“There is absolutely no justification for this behaviour. Our officers are in Wadeye to protect the community and prevent further violence, and they should not be subjected to deliberate and potentially deadly attacks while carrying out that duty.
“The fact that people continued to advance on police despite repeated directions to disperse demonstrates an alarming disregard for the safety of police, residents and the wider community.
“An arrow, rock or piece of metal directed at another person or a moving vehicle has the potential to cause catastrophic injury or death. Those choosing to participate in this violence need to understand the seriousness of their actions.
“Police will continue working with community leaders and residents to restore calm, but those responsible for criminal behaviour will be identified, investigated and held to account.”
Investigations into the incidents remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information that may assist to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
