NT Police Arrest Five After Alleged Bladed Weapon Assault at Alice Springs Hospital
NT Police have apprehended two men and three boys in connection with an alleged aggravated assault that occurred outside Alice Springs Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The group was reportedly seen with bladed weapons.
The five individuals, ranging in age from 14 to 19 years old, were arrested and remained in custody on Sunday afternoon, pending charges.
Incident Timeline
Initial Reports of Disorder
Police initially responded to reports of a fight near the hospital involving a male armed with a machete just before 5 AM. However, the individuals had dispersed prior to police arrival.
Assault and Pursuit Inside Hospital
Approximately an hour later, authorities received further reports. A 19-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted outside the hospital and subsequently pursued inside by offenders reportedly armed with machetes.
The woman and her companions sought safety inside a security office, which security personnel then secured. It is alleged that the offenders displayed machetes in the public waiting area before leaving the scene in a white Holden Commodore.
Police Response and Arrests
Vehicle Pursuit and Termination
The white Commodore was later spotted and pursued north of town. However, the pursuit was terminated due to safety considerations. Earlier on Sunday, police had received multiple reports of the same vehicle driving in the Alice Springs CBD, with occupants allegedly carrying machetes.
Arrests Made
A police dog located the car in bushland north of town at 9:15 AM. Five males were subsequently arrested at the scene. They remained in custody, pending charges related to the alleged aggravated assault.