23-year-old Roma man charged with knife offences during Operation Guardian Spirit

Southwest Queensland Police have released footage of a young man allegedly caught with a knife, as they launch a crackdown into alcohol-fuelled crime. WATCH THE VIDEO

Police have charged a 23-year-old man with a knife offence as, officers launch an operation to deter alcohol-fuelled violence in Roma’s CBD.

During the five-day Operation Guardian Spirit in June, officers conducted street checks for public order offenders and intoxicated people and used handheld scanners to detect knives and other weapons.

Throughout the operation, police conducted 75 wandings and issued two public nuisance tickets.

Police also carried out high visibility patrols in licensed venues on Wyndham Street.

A 23-year-old Roma man was charged after being found carrying a knife at a hotel on June 21 and was charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place.

He is due to appear in Roma Magistrates Court on July 23.

Roma Police station officer-in-charge Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Petrie said the operation stemmed from several recent serious assaults and incidents involving knives in the Roma CBD night-life district.

“We have seen first-hand the devastation which can result from someone possessing a knife, and that’s why we are actively out in our community to prevent any further tragedies from occurring,” Acting Senior Sergeant Petrie said in a statement.

“We want to make sure people who wish to spend time in Roma’s CBD after dark can do so safely.

“The operation targeted both offending behaviour and promoted community safety by engaging with the local community.”

Under Jack’s Law, Queensland Police Service has the authority to conduct handheld metal detection operations in designated Safe Night Precincts, public transport hubs, and other relevant locations.