Man to face court for assault following citizens arrest

A 20-year-old Lyons man will face court following an assault in Phillip yesterday afternoon (Sunday 4 October).

About 3:15pm, a man was sitting outside Westfield Woden when he was approached and assaulted by a 20-year-old male, suffering minor injuries.

The alleged offender began walking away from the scene, but was followed by a member of the public who then made a citizen’s arrest. The member of the public was assisted by Westfield Security to restrain the alleged offender until police arrived.

ACT Policing’s Woden Patrol members arrived shortly after and arrested the man. The 20-year-old was conveyed to the ACT Watch House and charged with assault. He will face court later this month.

Superintendent Cath Grassick said the arrest showed that the community finds this type of crime unacceptable.

“We don’t recommend engaging with an offender, however in this instance the alleged offender was able to be restrained and handed over to police.”

ACT Policing would like to thank those involved.

Anyone who saw the incident and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.