Police charge two men after alleged highway shooting incident, urge protesters to go home
POLICE have charged two men who allegedly fired gunshots towards a family on the Carpentaria Hwy last week
Northern Territory
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POLICE have charged two men who allegedly fired gunshots towards a family on the Carpentaria Hwy last week with assault while urging protesters at the Borroloola police station to go home.
An NT Police spokeswoman said a 31-year-old and a 19-year-old had each been charged with aggravated assault, dangerous driving and firearms offences following the incident on Thursday night.
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Locals had gathered outside the police station on Saturday demanding answers as to why no one had been charged over the incident but after charges were laid, police urged the protesters to go home.
“Police understand that the other party involved in the incident were distressed by what allegedly occurred, however current actions outside the Borroloola police station are not helping local police in the course of their duty,” the spokeswoman said.
“Police urge people involved in the current disturbance to peacefully return to their homes and allow police to continue with their investigations.”
The spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing and further charges may be laid and asked anyone with any information to contact police on 131 444.
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“Police responded to the original incident immediately and since then have conducted numerous interviews and gathering extensive information relating the alleged incident,” she said.
NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said via Facebook the protesters had left the police station after the charges were made public.
“On behalf of families, I thank you (Kurdi Maria) and NT Police Commissioner (Jamie) Chalker and Borroloola police for the way you all handled these past few days,” she wrote.
“I understand counsellors will now be sent to Borroloola to also assist families.”
Originally published as Police charge two men after alleged highway shooting incident, urge protesters to go home