Translate
Four teens were arrested last night after police on patrol in Gungahlin were engaged by a 14-year-old boy brandishing a knife.
About 7.25pm last night, (Saturday, 18 April 2026) officers on foot patrol in Gungahlin were approached by multiple members of the public regarding two teenage boys who were allegedly in possession of knives.
As police approached the two teens, one of them was observed placing a knife under a rubbish bin. The other moved quickly towards police with a knife in his hand, and he was ordered by officers to drop the knife. The 14-year-old complied with police directions, and he and a 17-year-old boy were arrested.
Two girls, aged 13 and 14, engaged with officers while the arrests were occurring. They were later arrested in a nearby store after allegedly stealing items and breaching banning notices.
The 14-year-old boy was charged with two counts of possessing a knife without reasonable excuse. The 17-year-old boy was charged with breaching bail conditions.
Enquiries relating to the alleged retail thefts by the 13 and 14-year-old girls are continuing.
ACT Policing will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to knife possession incidents and reminds the community that self defence or self-protection is not a reasonable excuse to be carrying a knife.
Anyone who witnessed the incident who has not already spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website quoting 8360334.