Teenager accused of stabbing David Jones staff member charged

A teenager has faced court after allegedly stabbing a David Jones staff member when confronted over the theft of a designer handbag.

A teenager has faced court after allegedly stabbing a David Jones staff member while stealing a designer handbag.

Lachlan Willis, 19, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday evening, hours after he was arrested by detectives at his Maidstone home.

He faced court clad in the same Nike-branded clothing he was captured wearing during his arrest, leaning back in his chair while scratching the back of his head.

He appeared in court following his arrest on Friday over the alleged stabbing two days earlier. Picture: Victoria Police

The store was temporarily closed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Police will allege Mr Willis was with a woman at the Emporium Melbourne on Tuesday when they were confronted over the alleged theft of a designer handbag.

A male staff member was allegedly stabbed in the arm shortly before 12pm, as horrified onlookers rushed to provide first aid.

The staff member was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives raided two homes on Friday morning, where they arrested two men and allegedly seized a firearm alongside quantities of heroin and amphetamine.

She said Mr Willis was charged with intentionally causing injury, theft, firearm offences, drug possession and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

A second man, 18, is assisting police with inquiries unrelated to the alleged stabbing.

The alleged incident occurred at David Jones in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Video taken moments after police arrested the teenager captured him being led while handcuffed into the back of an unmarked police vehicle.

In court, Mr Willis was remanded into custody by Magistrate Andrew McKenna after his lawyer, Alana Reader, said they were seeking a straight remand.

He will return to court on May 30.

The Victoria Police spokeswoman said an investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing and inquiries are being made into the identity and whereabouts of the woman.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Teenager accused of stabbing David Jones staff member charged