Man charged with assaulting officers

A 35-year-old Palmerston man has been charged with assaulting police and other offences following an incident in Gungahlin yesterday afternoon.  

About 2.50pm yesterday (Thursday, 27 July 2023)  Gungahlin officers on patrol observed two men scuffling at Gungahlin Place. They separated the men however shortly after one of them - the 35-year-old from Palmerston - began to repeatedly punch an officer in the face and head.  

Further police attended the scene and the man was arrested. As he was being placed in the caged vehicle, he again lashed out, kicking an officer in the chest and neck.  

The man will face the ACT Magistrates court today charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault, two counts of assaulting a frontline community service provider, and obstructing a Territory Official.  

The man will also face one charge for an act of indecency in relation to an earlier incident while travelling on the light rail.  

Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan said that officers and all first responders should be able to do their jobs safely.   

“Police in the ACT are there to keep the community safe. They are members of the community who serve the community and should never be subject to the violence that occurred yesterday. The officers were attempting to de-escalate a minor scuffle between two people when one of the men became needlessly violent and aggressive,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.  

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, and I urge Canberrans to respect all first responders. Please consider your actions and allow my officers to return to their homes and families, safe and well at the end of each shift.” 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au