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Woman security officer stabbed by kid at Garbutt IGA

A security officer suffered injuries to her face, arms and hands after she was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a teenage girl caught allegedly stealing from a Townsville supermarket.

A child has been charged after allegedly stabbing a security officer at the Garbutt Supa IGA.
A child has been charged after allegedly stabbing a security officer at the Garbutt Supa IGA.

A security officer suffered injuries to her face, arms and hands after she was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a teenage girl caught allegedly stealing from a Townsville supermarket.

The woman, 52, who was last year hired to bolster security at the Garbutt Central shopping centre, confronted three teenage girls who became abusive about 5.40pm Sunday.

Country Patrol Group Inspector Damian Irvine said two of the girls fled the centre while one started to “wrestle” with the security officer.

“Once she disengaged and left the store, the security guard realised she had been cut and stabbed,” he said.

“The security guard received some defensive wounds to her arms, hands and the side of her face.”

Country Patrol Group Inspector Damian Irvine said a security officer suffered “superficial” wounds after being stabbed at Garbutt Central. PICTURE: MATT TAYOR.
Country Patrol Group Inspector Damian Irvine said a security officer suffered “superficial” wounds after being stabbed at Garbutt Central. PICTURE: MATT TAYOR.

Insp Irvine said the woman was stabbed with a pair of scissors but the wounds were regarded as “superficial”.

The security officer has returned to work after being discharged from Townsville University Hospital.

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Marissa Milani, owner of Garbutt Central, said the shopping centre was trading as usual following the return of the security guard.

“It’s business as usual, it’s no different to anywhere else in Townsville,” she said.

“(The security guard) is back at work this morning. There’s nothing wrong with her.”

Ms Milani said security guards worked at the shopping centre six days a week.

Last year business owners revealed to the Townsville Bulletin they had hired private security at their own expense in order to keep patrons safe following the loss of the Garbutt police beat.

The teenage girl, 13, accused of stabbing the woman has been charged with serious assault, unlawful wounding and robbery.

Insp Irvine said two other girls, aged 12 and 14, were speaking with police.

Originally published as Woman security officer stabbed by kid at Garbutt IGA

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/townsville/woman-security-officer-stabbed-by-kid-at-garbutt-iga/news-story/b3be766eea5fbcbdb83f2a5933cd88b2