Darwin crime: Attempted carjackings and police pursuits linked to group of youths

A food delivery driver was the victim of an alleged attempted carjacking overnight – with a group of youths later stopped by police. What happened.

The latest crime updates from across the Top End.

February 26: A food delivery driver was attacked by a youth in an alleged attempted carjacking in Casuarina on Sunday night.

The incident took place at about 8pm, when police say the youth allegedly approached the driver and demanded his car keys.

When the driver refused, police say he was allegedly struck across the arm with a steel bar by the offender.

The alleged perpetrator then fled the scene without the vehicle and police K-9 units were brought to the area to conduct a search.

Shortly after, several police pursuits being undertaken in the area had to be terminated, due to high speeds and risk to safety – with police believing the incidents are linked.

Early on Monday morning, non pursuit tyre deflation spikes were used which stopped the vehicle.

Four youths were found in the vehicle and are now in custody.

The delivery driver was able to take himself Royal Darwin Hospital to receive treatment following the alleged carjacking attempt.

’Distressing’: Woman, 60, attacked with scissors from behind while walking

Scissors were used in an assault on a 60-year-old woman in Palmerston yesterday.

Serious Crime detectives are investigating the incident during which a man followed the woman as she walked in Woodroffe before attacking and threatening her with scissors.

Police are calling for witnesses who might have been in the Woodroffe area about 3.30pm when the 20-minute ordeal began.

Police said the woman was walking along Emery Avenue when she noticed an unfamiliar male in the vicinity.

The woman turned right at Sibbald Crescent and then onto Woodroffe Avenue, with the male following her at a distance.

She tried to change her route, but the male stayed nearby.

At one point he attempted to engage with her before moving towards an alleyway on Woodroffe Avenue, police said.

The male returned and confronted the victim from behind, threatening her with scissors.

The victim managed to escape the man and screamed for assistance as the offender fled towards Vega Court.

The victim suffered minor injuries to her face and hand during the incident.

The alleged offender is described as of Aboriginal appearance, wearing all dark clothing and shoes, and about 183cm tall.

Detective Acting Sergeant Dean Garnsey said police were seeking immediate assistance.

“This was a distressing experience for the victim, and we are seeking the public’s assistance to identify and locate the individual, Det Sgt Garnsey said.

“Please contact us immediately if anyone witnessed the incident or has information.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police at 131 444, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number NTP2400019724.

Dog squad seize more than 12kg of drugs in busy week

A Top End dog operations unit played a key role in finding and seizing a large amount of drugs, including kava and cannabis.

Police screened regional flights and scheduled barge transport companies in an effort to target the illicit distribution of dangerous drugs heading for remote communities.

Drug Detection dog, Diesel, seized 902gm of cannabis, destined for Palumpa, 11kg of Kava, for Elcho Island, and a further545g of cannabis across seven more seizures throughout the week.

As a result, police were able to charge multiple people for the possession of traffickable and commercial quantities of aschedule two dangerous drug.

All these cases are currently before court.

NT Police dog Diesel after seizing a large quantity of Kava. Picture: NTPFES

In a statement, NT Police said they are still investigating each drug seizure, and expect to make further charges in relationto offences against the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Senior Constable Scott Pearson of the Dog Operations Unit said police took every opportunity to disrupt the supply of drugsinto NT communities.

“We know the supply of illicit substances into remote communities is a catalyst for violence and neglect within family units,and NT Police will continue to disrupt that supply at every opportunity,” he said.

“Drug Detection dog Diesel is continuing to prove that he is an asset to Territory as nothing gets past his nose.”

Police urge anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances to contact police on 131 444, or to make an anonymousreport to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man charged for alleged attempt to runover neighbour with ATV

NT Police have charged a man after he attempted to run over a woman with his ATV, following an alleged neighbours dispute,at Dundee Beach.

The February 10 incident resulted in the 42-year-old woman being taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

Following an investigation Road Safety Division members with the assistance of Humpty Doo Police members arrested a 44-year-oldman before charging him with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment- serious harm.

Police also allegedly found a number of firearms at the home, with another investigation now stemming from the discovery.

He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on March 12.

Rifle fired in alleged burglary attempt in Top End Home

February 23: NT Police are chasing information after a rifle was fired during an alleged burglary attempt at a Northern Suburbs home.

Two men and a women allegedly broke into a home in Leanyer armed with a rifle about 10.45am Thursday.

One of the men allegedly fired the weapon within the home as the trio demanded the three occupants hand over any drugs and money in their possession.

However, the alleged would-be burglars left the home empty-handed and there were no injuries from the incident.

General duties officers arrived and declared a crime scene as they gathered initial victim statements from the occupants.

Serious Crime detectives took over the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 and reference NTP2400018876.

Woman arrested after Humpty Doo house fire

February 23: Authorities are treating a house fire in Humpty Doo on Thursday afternoon as suspicious and a woman has been arrested.

Firefighters were alerted to smoke coming from the property at around 5.30pm.

The home sustained considerable damage before it was extinguished.

A 31-year-old woman has been arrested in relation to the fire.

The property remains a crime scene as investigations continue, and there are no reports of any injuries.

Anyone with any information or who may have witnessed something in the area at the time are urged to contact police or call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man stabbed in relation to alleged domestic assault

February 23: NTPolice received reports of a domestic violence incident in Jingili last night that ended with a man being taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds.

The domestic incident allegedly occurred between a 34-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, with the woman suffering facial injuries and swelling to her eyes.

Two male relatives of the female have then allegedly attacked the man where he was stabbed multiple times.

Police arrived on the scene to find the man before he was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition.

The two male relatives fled the scene and are yet to be apprehended with a police operation currently underway to find the men.

Detectives from the Domestic and Family Violence Unit are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2400018660.

Two youths arrested, one still at large following Katherine robbery

February 22: Two youths aged 12 and 14 have been arrested following a late night robbery of a Katherine service station early on Wednesday morning.

Northern Territory Police’s Strike Force Cerberus property crime unit identified and arrested the two teens within 24 hours of the robbery however a third suspect remains at large.

The three youths are alleged to have forcefully entered the premises, with the attendant locking himself away in a separate room, while the offenders fleeing with stolen items.

Police used CCTV to track the two teens charging them with aggravated robbery, theft, and criminal damage.

The 14-year old was held in custody and faced court on Thursday, while the 12-year-old was released on bail and will face court on April 8.

Senior sergeant Warren Scott said his team was committed to “protecting the Katherine community”.

“Unacceptable behaviour like this will not be tolerated, and we will continue to ensure offenders are held accountable,” he said.

Efforts to find the third offender are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number NTP2400018328.

February 22: NT Police are investigating after a pedestrian walked out and was struck by a car on a major Territory road

A white Mitsibushi Outlander travelling outbound on the Stuart Hwy, at the Westralia St intersection, struck the woman about 10.50pm Wednesday.

The driver stopped a short distance away and waited for emergency services to attend the scene.

Emergency services found the 46-year-old woman, wearing dark coloured clothing, still on the road with serious injuries and took her to Royal Darwin Hospital to tend to multiple fractures.

She was reportedly in a critical condition.

The driver returned a negative result after testing for alcohol and drugs, while it remains unknown if the pedestrian was affected by either.

Police have since lifted diversions that were in place along the Stuart Highway.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said the crash was the result of the pedestrian walking into the path of the vehicle.

“The crash was captured on CCTV and shows the at-fault pedestrian walking into the path of the oncoming vehicle which was travelling through a green light intersection,” he said.

“Investigations are ongoing into the crash and we urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference 24049974.”

February 20: NT Police have arrested four youths after a sequence of criminal events happened across the Northern Suburbs including an alleged vehicle theft and a machete threat.

Police allege a vehicle was stolen in Wulagi before being driven and crashed in the nearby suburb of Muirhead on Monday night.

The suspects allegedly obstructed the road following the crash, strategically placing a bicycle in the middle to block oncoming vehicles.

A passer-by attempted to clear the road, but the group of youths allegedly threatened the driver with a machete before fleeing in the stolen vehicle, leading to another crash in Leanyer.

An off-duty police dog handler identified the alleged offenders in Wanguri and collaborated with members of Stokes Force Trident in the lead up to the arrest.

NT Police have arrested four youths after a stolen vehicle crashed into a bus stop in the Northern Suburbs, as part of a series of alleged crimes.

The group attempted to flee again on foot after noticing police presence leading to a pursuit through Casuarina.

Despite ignoring instructions to stop, one was caught by Patrol Dog Drax, while the remaining three alleged offenders were arrested by Strike Force Trident members.

The youngest alleged offender, aged 11, was returned home to a responsible adult while the others are currently in police custody and expected to face charges.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said the incident highlighted “the importance of community vigilance”.

“It also acknowledges the commendable efforts of our officers in promptly responding to criminal activities,” he said.

“Strike Force Trident extends gratitude to all involved units for their outstanding work in resolving this crime spree.”

TOP END MAN CRITICAL AFTER MOTORCYCLE POLE CRASH

February 20: A man is fighting for his life after a serious motorcycle crash on Monday night.

Around 11.41pm, emergency services responded to reports that a 41 year-old man had struck a pole along Bees Creek Rd.

A member of the public called emergency services after arriving on the scene shortly after he struck the pole.

The man was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in a critical condition, where he was then taken into theatre.

Following the accident, traffic control was organised along Bees Creek Road.

Man charged after child abuse material found at Palmerston home

A 38-year-old man is expected to face court on Monday after child abuse material was found at his Palmerston home.

In a joint operation, detectives and federal agents from the Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police raided the home on Friday in relation to alleged online child exploitation offences.

Electronic devices belonging to the 38-year-old were seized during the search.

After analysis of the electronics the man was arrested and has since been charged with possessing, accessing, transmitting and soliciting child abuse material.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community, especially our children, are of paramount importance,” Detective Sergeant Mark Cronin said.

“The Northern Territory Police, along with our federal counterparts, will continue to work diligently to ensure the prosecution of individuals engaged in such criminal activities.”

February 19: Man left with life threatening injuries in alleged domestic violence stabbing

Police have arrested a woman after a man was left with life threatening injuries in an alleged domestic violence stabbing.

At 10.40am on Saturday emergency services were called to a home on Birkett Cct, Moulden.

Upon arrival, police found a 30-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to his neck and chest.

He was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital for emergency surgery, where he remains in a stable condition.

On Sunday, detectives arrested a 28-year-old woman known to the alleged victim.

She was charged with intending serious harm and causing harm, and is expected to face the Darwin Local Court on Monday.

“Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Russell said.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police on 131 444 and reference NTP2400017230.”

February 19: Two on the run after Nightcliff ram raid

Three people are in custody and two remain on the run after a ram raid in Nightcliff on Saturday morning.

Police received reports at 5.30am that a licensed premises on Casuarina Dr had been targeted, causing considerable damage to the building.

A “substantial” amount of alcohol was also stolen.

Witnesses in the area reported a group leaving the scene in a white Toyota HiLux, and surveillance footage from a neighbouring property captured the car allegedly being loaded with the stolen alcohol.

Police dogs helped to locate the abandoned car in Ludmilla, behind Bagot Community.

CCTV footage helped to identify all five people allegedly involved in the ram raid.

Two boys aged 16 and 17 were arrested a short time later while walking down Fitzer Dr, Ludmilla, and a 23-year-old man was arrested in Minmarama Park, Ludmilla.

Another two boys, believed to be aged 15 and 16, are yet to be found, and police are calling for anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward.