Man to face court for unlawfully taking a child

A 26-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow for unlawfully taking a 5-year-old child in Civic yesterday (Saturday, 15 August 2020).

Police were called to Petrie Plaza about 1pm following reports a man grabbed a child who was not known to him.

It is alleged the man ran towards a laneway holding the child. The parent and members of the public chased after the man.

The man let go of the child and dropped a knife. Members of the public restrained the man before police arrested him and took him to the ACT Watch House.

The man will face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday, 16 August 2020) on two charges, unlawfully taking a child and possessing a knife without a reasonable excuse. The man has been remanded in custody.

Media enquiries

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