Police lay charges – Police officer assaulted in Darwin CBD

Northern Territory Police have charged a 19-year-old male for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Friday 19 June 2020.

At around 11:30pm, police attended to a disturbance on Mitchell Street. A large group of youths were in the vicinity when police arrived.

Police made an attempt to disperse the group when the 19-year-old allegedly pulled a knife from his shorts and begun swinging it at a police officer.

The police officer then pepper sprayed the offender causing him to drop the knife to the ground. On arrest, members located a second knife and a small clip seal bag containing cannabis while searching the offender.

He was taken to Darwin Watch House and charged with:

  • assault a member of the police force
  • disorderly behaviour in a police station
  • possess/carry/use control weapon – night
  • possess cannabis for personal use

He will appear in court today.

A 16-year-old female and a 16-year-old male, were also arrested at the time of the disturbance and later released with infringement notices for disorderly behaviour in a public place.

Acting Commander Sachin Sharma said, “Last week we had a number of our members assaulted while trying to conduct their policing duties. Our members deserve the right to not be assaulted while we are engaged in protecting and serving the NT communities”.

Under section 189A of the Criminal Code Act 1983, assaults on police or emergency workers carry maximum penalties of imprisonment of 16 years.

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