A 19-year-old hooner arrested after putting members of the public at risk

A police officer was allegedly assaulted while arresting a man witnesses reported driving erratically through the Alice Springs CBD.

A 19-year-old man who was spotted driving erratically in a Territory city centre allegedly assaulted a police officer as he was being arrested.

Police received reports at 10.30pm Wednesday of a blue Holden Commodore hooning and doing burnouts in the Alice Springs CBD.

Police alleged the man’s erratic driving put members of the public at risk and officers deployed the Drone Unit to track the vehicle.

The car was spotted within 30 minutes as it came to a stop on Todd St.

Police arrested the 19-year-old, however as he was being put in the cage of the police car he allegedly struck out at one of the officers.

Police said no serious injuries were suffered.

The man was expected to be charged with assaulting a member of the police force, driving a motor vehicle unlicensed, driving in a dangerous manner and driving with high range blood alcohol content.

“This sort of dangerous behaviour puts everyone on the roads and footpaths at risk,” Superintendent Antony Deutrom said.

“Our members go to work each day to serve and protect the community, they don’t deserve to be assaulted for it.

“This man will now face court for his actions.”

He appealed for anyone who saw the vehicle being driven dangerously to phone police on 131 444.

‘Machete-like knife’ involved in northern suburbs crime spree

Two northern Darwin suburbs were hit with a crime spree overnight, one of which involved threats with a “machete-like knife”.

About 12.30am Tuesday, a man contacted police who had allegedly been confronted by a group of five or six youths in a Malak carpark.

Senior Sergeant Northern Watch Commander Sonia Kennon said the group demanded alcohol and cigarettes from the man.

“When he told them he didn’t have any, the youths attempted to grab his car keys from his hands,” Commander Kennon said.

“A struggle ensued and the victim ran away fearing for his safety.

“The youth ran after him, one of the youth described as carrying a ‘machete-like knife’, threatening the victim.”

Police say the man saw the group return to his vehicle, a white Holden Barina, before driving it away.

When the man returned to the scene about 45 minutes later, he found the car returned with some panel damage.

Private security officers and a dog, funded by the NT Government, patrol around Karama and Malak every night between 5pm and 1am. Picture: Glenn Campbell

About 12.50am, about 20 minutes after the first incident, police were notified of an alleged robbery in Marrara against a woman who had just returned home from work.

Police say a woman was pulling up in her driveway when she noticed a small white vehicle driving up behind her.

As she parked, a boy allegedly pulled her passenger door open and snatched her handbag.

Police say the woman then grabbed the bag, which held her mobile phone and wallet, and was threatened with what appeared to be a screwdriver.

About 15 minutes later, police say a group of youths started smashing the windows in to a Karama takeaway store.

“They gained entry and stole food items and a cash register, before running into a nearby park,” Commander Kennon said.

“Some of the food items and the cash register were found in the carpark adjacent to the takeaway store.”

Police are yet to take any of the suspects into custody.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Youths, 12 and 13, allegedly assault worker with weapon

Two children, aged 12 and 13, have been arrested after allegedly robbing a store at North Lakes Shopping Centre and assaulting staff with a blunt weapon.

Police allege that just before 8pm on Friday, three youths entered a shop in the centre and assaulted a female employee while she was attempting to close.

Two of the youths then allegedly forced their way past the employee to steal cigarettes and other items, assaulted a second employee and fled the scene.

Later that night, the youths were allegedly found trespassing on a property on Links Rd before police were contacted.

A 13-year-old was arrested and charged with engaging in violent conduct, robbery (aggravated – in company/weapon), trespassing and serious breach of bail.

A 12-year-old was arrested on Monday and was expected to be charged.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said police were continuing to search for the third youth.

“We know who he is, it’s just a matter of time before we catch up with him,” he said.

He also said two youths attempting to hop on a bus last Thursday were allegedly assaulted by the same offenders.

“We would like to speak to these individuals and ask them to make contact with police,” he said.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incidents is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number 10158056.

FEMALE DRIVER FOUR TIMES OVER LIMIT

Top End police have responded to two incidents overnight, including a single-vehicle crash involving a drunk driver.

Darwin Police attended a scene on Smith St where a female drunk driver crashed into two parked car on Smith St, Larrakeyah.

The woman returned a 0.193 blood alcohol reading and will appear in court at a later date.

Police allege a drunk driver smashed into two cars on Smith Street. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“Northern Territory Police continue to target the Fatal Five,” Watch Commander Bradley Fox said.

Watch Commander Fox said in a statement Northern Territory Police were investigating a violent incident that occurred in Woodroffe at 8pm on Saturday night.

Police allege three young people entered an unlocked property in the Palmerston suburb and one young person “presented” a knife.

Dog Operations Unit and Palmerston general duties officers responded to the incident but the three young people fled on foot.

The investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Originally published as A 19-year-old hooner arrested after putting members of the public at risk