Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Three arrested over assault of NT Police officers

Northern Territory Police have arrested three offenders allegedly involved in this morning’s violent assault police incident in Milikapiti.

Three men, aged 17, 19 and 44 were arrested without incident earlier today and currently remain in custody, NT Police said in a statement.

“The 19-year-old man was the initial arrest target, who was the subject of an arrest operation at 6am, for his alleged involvement in domestic violence and weapon offences,” Police said.

“The officer who was knocked unconscious has since been transferred to Darwin for further assessment.

“Additional officers have arrived in the community to provide respite to local members and to continue investigations into the incident.”

Police say that at around 6am, three officers attended a residence in the community to arrest a man in connection with alleged domestic violence offences.

“During the arrest, the officers were attacked by multiple offenders. The violence included the use of improvised weapons, biting, and an attempt to remove an officer’s firearm from its holster,” NT Police said.

Commissioner Michael Murphy APM condemned the assault, saying the behaviour of those involved was absolutely disgusting and disgraceful.

“Assaults on our officers, who are doing their job to keep the community safe, will not and cannot be tolerated,” he said.

“Every day, police put themselves at risk to serve and protect the communities they are part of. The least they should expect is to be treated with respect and to be safe whilst carrying out their duties.

“The officers were executing their duty to arrest an alleged domestic violence offender.

“Additional support is being deployed to the community, and those involved in this violent and unacceptable behaviour will be held accountable.”

Commissioner Murphy said he has spoken to the officers involved in the incident.

“Their families are also quite concerned with the violent conduct directed at their loved ones.”

“I will be flying to the location this morning with additional resources to visit and support our officers.”

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of local leadership in addressing these issues, saying: “I will be working with the Land Councils, to ensure strong local leadership is part of the solution and these acts of violence aren’t repeated.

“The members are currently safe and being treated for their injuries and I commend them for their measured and professional response to a hostile situation.

“I acknowledge all our officers who work incredibly hard across the Territory to reduce crime and keep Territorians safe, often in dangerous circumstances. No officer or citizen should be subjected to any type of violence and we will continue to do all we can to eliminate this,” he said.

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