The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested two men in relation to an assault police incident that occurred in Wadeye yesterday evening.
Around 5:45pm, local police members were conducting patrols when they observed a male throwing a blunt weapon at the front door of a residence in the community.
As police approached, the male allegedly turned and attempted to throw the weapon at one of the members. In response, the second officer deployed a taser and the offender was stabilised and arrested.
While police arrested the offender, a group of up to 30 people began throwing objects at the officers, with one object damaging the window of a nearby police vehicle.
A 53-year-old man subsequently advanced toward the officers and forcefully shoved one of them causing police to withdraw from the location.
Police conveyed the 23-year-old offender to the Wadeye Health Clinic for assessment. The officers did not receive injuries.
Police later arrested the 53-year-old man without incident. Charges are expected to follow.
The Northern Territory Commissioner of Police Said, "Thankfully, no physical injuries were sustained by the officers, though the events understandably caused significant distress.
Again, alcohol was involved and central contributor to these poor choices and crimes against our officers.
This incident marks the second attack on our officers in Wadeye in two days, following the appalling assault on officers responding to a domestic violence incident the night prior.
These repeated attacks are utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Assaulting our officers is a serious crime, and those responsible will be held to account.
As I have stated previously, alcohol-related harm remains a major enabler of violence and disorder within the community.
I am not satisfied that sufficient measures are in place to address this issue.
It is imperative that the community, along with stakeholders, take stronger action to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of their residents and our police.
Additional policing resources will be deployed to the community. I have requested the Regional Commander attend Wadeye to support our officers and to stand up a whole of government task force for a combined focus on safety. I have spoken with the Northern Land Council Chair, Mr Matt Ryan, to activate some local leadership to address these ongoing issues and work together to restore calm in the community.
I commend the officers involved for their composure under such trying circumstances."
