Teen stabbed during Elizabeth Shopping Centre brawl, three other teen boys arrested
A teenager has been stabbed during a wild brawl in the food court of Adelaide’s busiest shopping centres – with staff barricaded in their shops.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A teenage boy has been stabbed in the torso and three others arrested during a wild brawl in front of horrified onlookers at one of Adelaide’s busiest shopping centre.
Emergency services rushed to Elizabeth Shopping Centre, in the outer northern suburbs, just after 2.30pm on Wednesday amid reports of an assault.
Witnesses told how a group of boys were seen fighting inside the centre in front of shocked afternoon shoppers near the Boost Juice outlet.
One told The Advertiser they witnessed a teen boy running through the centre’s food court with knives in each hand, in front of terrified shoppers.
The staff member said they were serving a customer when the drama unfolded, bringing the customer to tears.
BREAKING: Three teenage boys have been arrested and another one is in hospital after a wild brawl turned into a knife fight inside the food court of Elizabeth Shopping Centre. Detectives have seized a knife from an outside dumpster. https://t.co/5XBFAZc6nb#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/TNsZUJvkGp
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) October 23, 2024
One worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said she saw three school kids fighting each other.
“One of the school kids pushed another one on to the floor and started stabbing him about three times,” she said.
“Then I saw a guy from the food court chasing him with a chair, and then he threw the knife into Boost Juice and then ran off.”
Witnesses told The Advertiser the teenagers were wearing Playford International College uniforms.
SA Police said an 18-year-old boy was stabbed in the torso and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The stabbing occurred during a dispute between two groups.
Several ambulance crews, including emergency MedStar paramedics, were dispatched to the Elizabeth shopping centre, which is one of the state’s biggest.
Three teenage boys were arrested nearby – a 17-year-old from Salisbury East, a 16-year-old boy from Brahma Lodge and a 14-year-old from Elizabeth Vale.
They are expected to be charged later on Wednesday.
Josh, another witness, said he was at KFC when he heard an argument between a group of boys.
“I was eating my food, and then it sort of happened,” he said, referring to the stabbing.
“I seen him drop to the floor and I seen part of the blood on the floor.
“Then there was yelling, a lot of like, you know ‘get out of here’.”
The Advertiser understands the brawl unfolded near Boost Juice.
Nearby traders who spoke to The Advertiser on the condition of anonymity said they were “locked in” their shops.
Other shops in the centre remained open.
“I was a witness, I saw it happen,” one staff member said.
“So I pulled the (shop’s) door down. We haven’t heard from security yet. We don’t know how long we’ll have to stay in here.”
Another trader said they heard “screaming” following the alleged attack.
“I heard someone say there was a knife … I’m in shock,” they said.
“It feels like I’ve been punched in the gut.”
David Ding, who has worked at the centre for more than 20 years, said while his cafe was technically open, customers were unable to get in or out of the complex.
“It was after lunch, so we were quiet – there was no one in here,” he said.
“I just saw heaps of cops, ambulances arriving.
“And one kid was wheeled out on a stretcher.
“I went to have a look and was told someone was stabbed.”
He said police were still on scene, but was hopeful shoppers would return soon.
“The entrance is roped off and the investigators are here but we’re hoping to be open for dinner,” he said.
Mr Ding said altercations between groups were “nothing new” at the centre.
“It’s Elizabeth. I feel fine.”
Police are investigating the incident and will review CCTV footage to identify other people involved in the assault. They said there was no disruption to centre trading.
The Education Department has been contacted for comment.
A Vicinity spokesperson for the shopping centre said it was assisting SA Police in relation to the incident.
“The incident was quickly attended to by SA Police and the centre has since been cleared and is open for regular trade. The safety of our visitors, retailers, team and the wider community is our priority,” they said.
MORE TO COME
More Coverage
Originally published as Teen stabbed during Elizabeth Shopping Centre brawl, three other teen boys arrested
Two in one day: Another beachside venue announces shock closure
Less than a month after launching a new menu – and only a year after it was taken over by new management – a beachside wine bar and restaurant has closed its doors.
Read more
Onkaparinga’s human headline: Who is Robert De Jonge?
A former councillor who asked a TV reporter out on a date after chaotic scenes around his latest court appearance is rarely far from a ballot sheet – or a headline. Who is Rob De Jonge?
Read more