Territory Response Group deployed to Daly River after firearm, crossbow incidents

The Territory Response Group has been deployed to Daly River after disturbances over the weekend involving a crossbow and firearms.

Extra police officers have been deployed to Daly River after multiple incidents over the weekend.

Additional officers have been sent to Daly River after a weekend of disturbances that involved the use of a firearm and crossbow in two separate incidents.

On Monday, NT Police said it had deployed the Territory Response Group to Daly River.

Police said they received reports about 2am on Sunday a 21-year-old man had suffered injuries after allegedly being struck with a crossbow bolt.

Police said the victim received medical treatment and had been evacuated from the community.

The deployment comes after it was revealed the NT Police force was short the about 300 officers it needed to meet skyrocketing demand.

In a separate incident, police received reports about 1.45am Monday involving a firearm being discharged multiple times.

Police said a house was significantly damaged but there had been no reported injuries.

It follows reports a Toyoto Hilux was stolen on Saturday morning with four unsecured firearms in the back seat.

Police said investigation into that incident remains ongoing.

Police said Daly River, Peppimenarti and Adelaide River Police continue to investigate all incidents with the assistance of Strike Force Trident and the Territory Response Group.

“The community’s safety remains the priority for NT Police, and local police will continue to engage with traditional owners and elders to work towards restoring calm,” they said.

It comes after a school was forced to close for a week in February following community unrest in Daly River.

In May 2022, similar community unrest in Wadeye closed schools and health centres.

The incidents in Wadeye appeared to come to a head in February 2022, when 400 people were displaced after riots and arsonists destroyed at least 37 homes.

The deployment follows NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker stating officers would be diverted from a number of areas to meet the Territory government’s new crime and safety response.

The comments came after Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage told an inquest into the death of Yuendumu teenager Kumanjayi Walker that NT Police needed another 300 officers to meet skyrocketing demand.