Security guard stabbed, two arrested in Westfield attack
A brave Fountain Gate shopper tackled a man to the ground during a violent incident that saw two security guards slashed. Witnesses say blood was spattered on the floor in the homewares department of the Kmart store where the incident unfolded.
VIC News
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A courageous shopper tackled a suspected shoplifter after his alleged accomplice pulled out a knife and slashed security guards at a Melbourne shopping centre.
The guards approached a man and woman around 5.50pm yesterday in a Kmart store at Westfield Fountain Gate, speaking to them about items in their trolley that may not have been paid for.
The conversation escalated into an aggressive altercation, with the woman allegedly pulling out a knife and slashing the arm of a security guard.
The pair ran back through the store, with the two security guards following, before the
woman allegedly lunged at one, slashing his shirt.
A male customer tackled the man, while the woman allegedly continued to threaten staff and customers.
Police flocked to the scene and arrested a 34-year-old Narre Warren South woman and 39-year-old Noble Park man.
Both were taken to hospital for injuries sustained in the incident.
Shopper Danielle told the Herald Sun she saw blood on the floor near the homewares department.
“It was really confronting, they asked everyone to evacuate and roped off the store,” she said.
Another shopper, who asked not be named, said a staff member had told him the incident unfolded after a couple was allegedly caught trying to steal $500 worth of items.
“The worker told me security tried to stop the couple and that’s when they got stabbed, it’s terrible for this to happen,” he said.
Shopper Christina, who regularly shops at Kmart after hours, said the incident was “shocking”.
“It’s just so scary for this to happen here, the crime is just getting out of control here,” she said.
“I always see security around here but I think the centre needs more police patrolling at night too,” she said.
The woman remains in hospital with hand injuries, with the man being released into police custody earlier this morning.
A third person, a security guard, was also taken to hospital with a stab wound.
Detectives are currently interviewing the Noble Park man over the incident and he is expected to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court later this morning.
The stabbing comes after Crime Statistics Agency data revealed the centre had the worst volume of crime in Melbourne.
There was a 104 per cent increase in offences, from 448 incidents to 914 in the five years to the end of 2019.
Brutal attacks were so frequent at the shopping centre, Victoria Police was forced to deploy patrols on horseback around the venue.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or may have information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au