AFP officer allegedly stabbed with pen in neck, face after airport call-out

Two police officers were allegedly attacked with a pen, one in the face and neck, after responding to calls about a disturbance on a domestic flight.

A woman has been charged after allegedly stabbing an Australian Federal Police officer in the neck with a pen while disembarking from a flight from Sydney.

Officers were called to meet a plane at Perth Airport on Monday night after a call for assistance when a passenger allegedly became disruptive and refused crew instructions.

Police met the aircraft from Sydney at the gate and escorted a 34-year-old Perth woman from the plane, at which point officers will allege she attempted to walk away.

When officers attempted to restrain the woman, police will allege she pulled away before striking an officer’s forearm with a pen she had concealed under her clothing.

A woman has been charged after allegedly stabbing an AFP officer in the neck with a pen while disembarking from a flight from Sydney. Picture: AFP

Police allege they were escorting the woman when two officers were attacked. Picture: AFP

Police will further allege that when a second officer went to restrain the woman, she struck the officer in face and neck with the pen before she was arrested.

The woman was escorted off the tarmac before being charged with two counts of causing harm to, and one count of obstructing, a Commonwealth public official.

She was also charged with one count of failing to comply with safety instructions given by cabin crew.

If found guilty and convicted of the offences, she faces a maximum penalty of 13 years imprisonment.

An ambulance was called to treat the injured officers, one of whom was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where he spent the night before being released.

AFP Acting Commander Murray Taylor said the agency had “zero tolerance for anti-social, violent or dangerous behaviour towards passengers, staff or law enforcement”.

One officer was taken to a Perth Hospital following the alleged attack. Picture: AFP

“Passengers expect to feel safe while travelling and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behaviour,” he said.

“The AFP will not tolerate any harm caused to members while performing their duties to keep travellers, airline and airport staff safe.”

A Jetstar spokesperson said passengers were required to follow the instructions of crew and comply with safety procedures, which included fastening seatbelts for landing.

“We will never tolerate disruptive behaviour on-board our aircraft or within the terminal and appreciate the ongoing assistance and support of the AFP,” they said.

The woman was expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.