Man charged after allegedly luring girl to car in Tennant Creek

A man who triggered a major police search after allegedly luring a young girl from her Tennant Creek home has been charged.

A 22-year-old man is due to face court after an alleged indecent assault against a child in Tennant Creek. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

A man who triggered a major police search after allegedly luring a child to an abandoned car in Tennant Creek has been charged.

It is alleged he approached a young girl out the front of her Tennant Creek home last Monday, between 7.30 and 8pm.

Police allege he then lured the child into a nearby abandoned vehicle.

Officers arrived on scene immediately where the child remained, however the alleged offender had fled.

A crime scene was declared before police called for help from the public.

Regional Crime Division detectives said on Sunday DNA analysis had identified a 22-year-old man as the alleged offender.

He was taken to Tennant Creek watch house where he was charged with gross indecency involving a child.

It is alleged the indecent assault took place in the abandoned car.

“Police will use all the resources available to them, to identify and arrest offenders,” Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Schumacher said.

The man was remanded in custody and is due to face the Alice Springs Local Court on Tuesday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 131 444 and quote reference number 10260793.