POLICE WRAP: Two vessels towed to shore in separate incidents

Police have praised the efforts of fishos following two separate marine rescues.

FISHOS have been praised for their preparedness following two separate marine rescues on Saturday.

Around 5.20pm the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received a call from the wife of a fisherman who reported engine difficulties.

The owner of the boat was fishing in Darwin Harbour, 17 nautical miles north west of Darwin and had difficulties trying to get home.

The skipper gave details to his wife via SMS with his location and that he had sufficient provisions.

NT Water Police deployed in vessel ‘Mick Reed’ and found the boat at the coordinations given.

Two boats were towed to shore in separate incidents on February 19. Picture: NT PFES

They were able to tow the vessel back to Elizabeth River boat ramp.

While towing, a second call for assistance was made from the skipper of a smaller vessel that had also had engine malfunctions, 1.5 nautical miles west from the same boat ramp.

NT Water Police towed the vessel with three fishermen back to the ramp.

Senior Sergeant Neil Mellon praised the equipment and preparedness on both vessels.

“Water Police members were impressed with each skipper, as upon inspection both vessels were in possession of the minimum safety equipment required on-board a vessel in intermediate waters,” he said.

“This is however a timely reminder, with the wet season in full swing and the run off approaching, that owners of vessels should ensure they are mechanically sound and have had regular services carried out.”

MEN ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED AGGRAVATED ROBBERY

THREE men have been arrested over the alleged aggravated robbery of a 46-year-old man in Casuarina Square on Thursday

Detectives from the Serious Crime unit have charged the three men, aged 24, 28 and 36, with aggravated robbery.

Police allege the three men stole the man’s cigarettes and sunglasses before fleeing.

The trio were apprehended by Patrol Dog Wedge along Trower Rd shortly afterwards.

They have been remanded in custody and will appear in the Darwin Local Court in coming days.

Patrol Dog Wedge was deployed to stop the three alleged offenders. Picture: PFES.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Cottier described the alleged incident as “violent and unprovoked”.

“The offences took place in public areas, causing distress to shoppers, and it will not be tolerated. The swift response by police should send a clear message to others.”

Crime scene declared in rural area after fire rips through house, cars

A HOME in the rural area locality of Livingston was destroyed by fire on Thursday evening, with authorities declaring the property a crime scene.

Palmerston fire crews responded to a call made at 8.45pm reporting that the home on Livingston was engulfed in flame.

St John Ambulance, Bushfire NT volunteers, Power and Water and NT Police were also dispatched.

A home and several vehicles were gutted by fire in Livingston overnight. Picture: PFES

Emergency services were on the scene by 9.15pm, where they reported the structure’s roof was well alight and nearby vehicles also on fire.

Despite the blaze being extinguished, authorities declared that the structure was destroyed.

Investigations are now underway into the blaze, with the property now declared a crime scene.

Man assaulted by three men in Top End shopping centre

A 50-YEAR-OLD man was allegedly assaulted by three men after he was knocked to the ground and had his wallet taken at Casuarina Square on Thursday about 5pm.

Northern watch commander Robert Overall said all three men ran from the scene about.

“Police from Casuarina General Duties, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit promptly attended,” Cmmr Overall said.

“All three offenders were apprehended nearby with police dog Wedge being integral in the arrest of two of the offenders.”

All offenders remain in police custody as the investigation continues.

“Police would like to thank the members of the public who have already assisted with inquiries and urge anyone with further information to contact police on 131 444 or alternatively report the information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 using the reference number 9928638,” Cmmr Overall said.

UPDATE, THURS: A MAN who allegedly ran over a woman in Lindsay St on Thursday before fleeing the scene has faced court for the first time.

Geoffrey Rodwell appeared in Darwin Local Court on Thursday, two days after the alleged hit-and-run which left a 52-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries.

Police will allege Rodwell was driving along Lindsay St in the Darwin CBD at 8pm on Tuesday when he ran over the woman who was lying on the road.

Witnesses reportedly told police the driver fled the scene.

The woman was left in a critical and unstable condition and was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Police subsequently raided a property in the northern suburbs and arrested Rodwell on Wednesday afternoon.

His vehicle and other items were seized for forensic testing.

Rodwell was charged with hit and run causing serious harm, driving without due care, not stopping to assist after a crash and failing to report a crash.

He was bailed to return to court on March 10.

EARLIER: A MAN has been arrested for allegedly running over a 51-year-old woman with his car before driving off, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.

NT Police confirmed they had arrested and charged a 52-year-old man in relation to the hit and run crash in Darwin on Tuesday.

Police will allege the woman was lying on the road when she was struck and run over by a white sedan on Lindsay St at 8pm.

A crime scene was established after witnesses called police alleging the driver fled from the scene.

Police said the 51-year-old woman remains in a critical and unstable condition in Royal Darwin Hospital.

NT Police released CCTV of an alleged hit and run on Lindsay St, at 8pm Tuesday February 15. Police confirmed they arrested and charged a 52-year-old man in the Northern Suburbs in relation to the hit and run crash.

On Wednesday afternoon police used two search warrants to seize the man’s vehicle and other property in the northern suburbs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Lindner said the vehicle and other items would be subject to forensic analysis.

He said Major Crash detectives interviewed the man in custody, and he was charged with hit and run causing serious harm.

“If you hit someone on the road, you are obliged by law to stop and report it as soon as possible. This man didn’t and he’s been charged accordingly,” Sgt. Lindner alleged.

Sgt. Lindner thanked the public for their assistance, which led to the arrest of the 52-year-old Northern Suburbs man.

The man has been remanded to appear in the Darwin Local Court on Thursday.