Quartet charged after supermarket attendant allegedly threatened at knifepoint

CRIME WRAP: Quartet charged after supermarket attendant was allegedly threatened at knifepoint

UPDATE: CHOKING, strangling or suffocating and aggravated robbery among charges handed to quartet following a brazen booze theft in the northern suburbs on Tuesday.

NT Police alleged that a man was assaulted in his home in Brinkin by two men at 7.40pm on Tuesday.

The duo allegedly stole his Hyundai and were later allegedly involved in stealing alcohol from the Wulagi Supermarket.

Police arrested two females and a male on Tuesday evening shortly after the alleged offending.

A 19-year-old male was arrested on Wednesday morning and was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery.

The 19-year-old was also charged with aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing and trespass on premises.

Police also charged him with the domestic violence offence of aggravated assault.

A 20-year-old man was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, driving in a dangerous manner during pursuit and driving with medium range blood alcohol content.

He was also charged with chocking, strangling or suffocating and two counts of aggravated assault.

A 19-year-old woman was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle, aggravated robbery and stealing.

All three were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court.

An 18-year-old woman was had issued a notice to appear for aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle and is due to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on January 12.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland thanked the public for assisting in alerting police to the incidents.

“Police would like to thank members of public for their assistance in both alerting police to these disgraceful incidents, and providing information in our subsequent call for witnesses,” Mr Bland said.

UPDATE: TRIO is accused of assaulting a northern suburbs man before using his van in a brazen Darwin booze theft.

NT Police alleged a man was assaulted at his home at Brinkin by two men at 7.40pm.

The two unknown males allegedly drove off in his white Hyundai iload.

Fifteen minutes later, the stolen vehicle was reportedly involved in the robbery of a Wulagi Place business.

Senior Sergeant Kaye Pemberton said the two men picked up a woman before driving to the Wulagi Supermarket where they allegedly stole alcohol.

“The shop manager chased the offenders but was threatened with a knife,” Sgt Pemberton said.

Wulagi Supermarket owner Vinay Madasu said the group of youths went into the liquor room, grabbed a few cruiser four-packs and walked off.

“I went behind them and when they got near their car, they showed me the knife,” Mr Madasu said.

“He showed me the knife and said ‘you want to get me?’

“I was just two minutes away from closing.”

Wulagi Supermarket owner Vinay Madasu had a knife presented by a youth outside the front of his store. Picture: Floss Adams.

Mr Madasu said he called the police immediately after the “frightening” experience.

“Stealing happens all of the time, this is the first time somebody has shown a knife,” he said.

“As soon as they showed me the knife I just backed off.”

The small convenience shop located in the centre of Wulagi suburbia has two employees, Mr Madasu and his wife.

“Now my wife is even scared to work here since this happened,” he said.

Mr Madasu was hopeful an incident like this would not happen again.

“It’s never happened like this here, this is the first time.”

Sgt Pemberton said the stolen van was spotted by police with a flat tire at East Arm a few hours later.

“When approached the van accelerated away – a short pursuit occurred before tire deflation devices were successfully deployed,” she said.

The stolen van was brought to a stop near the weigh bridge, East Arm.

Two women were arrested nearby, and two male suspects fled the scene.

Sgt Pemberton said all alleged offenders were in their late teens and early 20s.

“Two were arrested immediately, with the driver fleeing into cattle yards,” she said.

Sgt Pemberton said a patrol dog was sent out and a man was arrested a short distance from the vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said the matter was still under investigation and police were still searching for one suspect.

Snr Sgt Bland called for any witnesses or dashcam footage related to the alleged property offences to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting the reference number 9849582.

EARLIER: Two people have been arrested after a man was allegedly assaulted and had his Hyundai van stolen in Brinkin on Tuesday night.

Senior Sergeant Kaye Pemberton said the two men picked up a woman before driving to the Wulagi Supermarket where they allegedly stole alcohol.

“The shop manager chased the offenders but was threatened with a knife,” Sgt Pemberton said.

Sgt Pemberton said the van was then spotted by police with a flat tire at East Arm a few hours later.

“When approached the van accelerated away – a short pursuit occurred before tire deflation devices were successfully deployed,” she said.

Sgt Pemberton said once the van had slowed down the alleged offenders, all in their late teens and early 20s, attempted to run away.

“Two were arrested immediately, with the driver fleeing into cattle yards,” she said.

“PD officer Drax (police dog) attended the area and successfully tracked the (alleged) offender in the cattle yards and was arrested.”

Sgt Pemberton said all three alleged offenders remained in custody and were expected to be charged later on Wednesday.

DV RELATED ASSAULTS

Three people are in custody after three separate alleged assaults occurred across the Top End overnight.

Senior Sergeant Kaye Pemberton said two of the victims were converted to hospital for treatment after one had minor stab wounds and the other with suspected facial injuries.

“Two of them were DV related and the third persons were known to each other – we’re still establishing whether or not they’re family related,” Sgt Pemberton said.

Sgt Pemberton said two of the incidents occurred in Palmerston and one in Katherine.

“All three will be facing charges later today,” she said.

“It just highlights the fact that unfortunately we still have domestic violence occurring, which is not good.”

Police are investigating after people allegedly broke into the Palmerston Tavern. Picture: Floss Adams

PALMO TAVERN|

About 2.45am Wednesday police received a report of an alarm activation at the Palmerston Tavern.

Police were quick on the scene and confirmed entry was gained via a smashed door.

One of the alleged offenders was seen running from the premises and apprehended by police.

They are expected to be charged later Wednesday.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify any other people who may have been involved.

FIVE YOUTHS

Five youths allegedly fled a vehicle after being chased by police into an industrial area.

Senior Sergeant Kaye Pemberton said police were heading along Dick Ward Dr when they spotted the suspicious alleged vehicle in the Coconut Grove area about 3.55am on Wednesday.

“When they attempted to approach the vehicle it took off at speed before turning into the industrial area,” Sgt Pemberton said.

“The vehicle stopped and five youths ran off – they jumped over fences and got away into the dark.”

Sgt Pemberton said police visited the registered owner’s address in Grey to find the residence had been broken into and the vehicle had been stolen.

“The vehicle will be examined later today for forensic evidence,” she said.