Tasmania breaking news: 14-year-old charged with assault, destroying property

Police say a 14-year-old girl, allegedly armed with a hammer, was restrained by a hero staff member, who’d suffered an assault. Here’s what the business owner said about the incident.

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Hammer-wielding teen taken down by hero staff member, police say

September 25, 2024: Police say a 14-year-old girl, allegedly armed with a hammer, was restrained by a hero staff member, who’d suffered an assaulted by the teen.

Police say the alleged incident unfolded around 5pm at the Elizabeth Street Mall, after authorities received reports of a teen smashing business windows with a hammer.

It’s alleged the girl targeted a Hobart boot shop, smashing several windows.

The business owner, who did not want to be named, said the girl was part of a group of youths, who were asked to leave the store.

He said they returned several times, and were armed on the third visit.

“She came with a hammer … She walked in, she swung the hammer around and smashed the glass,” he said.

“The left side of the shop, the whole glass panel was smashed.

“My wife tried to protect the shop and the girl tried to hit her with the hammer.

“Someone called the police.”

Smashed window of store in the Elizabeth Street Mall. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The shop owner said he wasn’t at the store when the teen allegedly turned violent.

He said his wife managed to restrain the girl until police arrived.

“She had to stand up for herself, we have to do something to protect ourselves,” he said.

He said it was the second time his shop had been targeted by youths.

“Last time in order to repair the glass, we spent like $5000 … At this stage we have to contact the insurance company to pay this,” he said.

“It’s just ridiculous, this is what we need to do, there’s nothing we can do.

“It’s a financial burden and mentally it’s so much stress.

“Something needs to be done to stop this anti-social behaviour and vandalism.”

The staff member, who was later taken to hospital as a precaution, was not seriously injured.

After police arrived, the teen was charged with common assault, unlawfully using a dangerous article in a public place, and destroying property.

“Behaviour such as this will not be tolerated,” Tasmania Police constable D’arne Triffett said.

“Tasmania Police is committed to protecting the community and local businesses and detecting and preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour with the aim of making our public spaces safer for everyone.”

Man dead after crash at Grove

September 23, 6pm: A 66-year-old man has died in a single vehicle crash at Grove this afternoon.

Police say the man is believed to have suffered a medical episode.

He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Teen motorcyclists flown to hospital

September 22, 2.15pm: An 18-year-old motorcyclist was flown to hospital with serious injuries after an accident in southeast Tasmania.

Police are investigating a crash involving two motorcycles that happened just before 11 o’clock on Sunday morning on Hylands Road, Murdunna.

The 18-year-old was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious but stable condition by helicopter.

A 16-year-old youth also was treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the crash.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Five people injured after four-vehicle crash

September 22: Police believe a black MG veered onto the wrong side of the road to trigger a crash leaving four with injuries on the Bass Highway at Exton, east of Deloraine, about 9.30pm last night.

Officers say early investigations indicate the MG collided with a silver Mazda Tribute and caused a black Toyota 86 to collide with the rear of the Mazda.

Paramedics treated the passenger of the MG for serious leg injuries before rushing to the Launceston General Hospital. The patient was later transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital for further treatment.

Four others, the driver of the MG, the driver and passenger of the Toyota and the driver of the Mazda were all also taken to the Launceston General Hospital with minor injuries.

Police report the section of the highway was closed for about two and a half hours to allow emergency services to examine the scene and conduct inquires.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Deloraine Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania.

Originally published as Tasmania breaking news: 14-year-old charged with assault, destroying property