Police arrest 23yo man for allegedly assaulting store worker with metal bar

A sports store worker was allegedly assaulted with a metal bar by a customer who could not pay for his items in Alice Springs. Read the details.

The alleged offender was arrested a short time later. Picture: Gera Kazakov

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July 23, 6.30am: Police have arrested and charged a 23-year-old man after he allegedly assaulted a sports store worker with a metal bar in Alice Springs on Tuesday afternoon.

The alleged assault occurred at Sports Power Alice Springs on Gregory Terrace about midday.

Southern Watch Commander Marc Watson said the alleged offender was attempting to purchase items just before the incident.

“A 24-year-old male store worker informed him he did not have sufficient funds to purchase the items,” Commander Watson said.

“The shopper began making threats before leaving the store.

“A short time later [the alleged offender] returned to the store armed with a metal wheel spanner and struck the 24-year-old worker twice to the head and once to body before leaving the store.

“Police responded and arrested the 23-year-old (alleged) offender 20 minutes later.

“He has been charged with assault of a worker and being armed with offensive weapon and was refused police bail to appear in (Alice Springs) court today.

“The victim suffered lacerations to the head and bruising to torso as a result of the assault.”

Originally published as Police arrest 23yo man for allegedly assaulting store worker with metal bar