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A 29-year-old man will face court today charged with multiple family violence offences after an alleged aggravated burglary and attempted kidnapping in Palmerston on Saturday morning.
About 9am on Saturday (14 February 2026), the man attended a Palmerston residence, placing him in breach of a family violence order. He forced entry to the home, and allegedly assaulted his child’s grandmother before taking his daughter from the premises.
The man then re-entered the residence, armed himself with a pair of scissors and allegedly attempted to take the grandmother’s car keys before further assaulting her and trying to break into her vehicle.
Members of the public intervened, allowing the child to be freed from the man. He fled through nearby backyards before police arrested the man shortly after.
The man – who was also the subject of an active arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on unrelated matters – is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 16 February 2026). He will be charged with attempt kidnap, aggravated burglary, possess offensive weapon with intent, assault, attempt to drive motor vehicle without consent, theft, trespass and contravening a family violence order.
ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence.
If you are in this situation – when it is safe to do so – please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.
If you require assistance, you can contact:
- Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
- Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance.
- The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.
- The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6247 2525