Two teenagers are accused of unprovoked assaults on three people in the Canberra Centre, leaving them with serious head injuries.
ACT Policing said at about 1:50 pm on Monday (16 September), a group of teenagers were causing a disturbance in the mall by knocking over displays and shouting at members of the public.
A 65-year-old man approached the group and reprimanded them for their behaviour before he walked outside.
It is alleged a 16-year-old boy followed him and repeatedly hit him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
A bystander attempted to intervene and defend the man, but it is alleged he was also repeatedly struck in the face by the 16-year-old.
Police allege that when a second bystander tried to use her trolley to prevent any more assaults, she was hit in the back of the head by a 14-year-old girl with a shopping bag.
“All three victims sustained serious facial and mouth injuries as a result of the alleged assault,” a police spokesperson said.
“A short time after the alleged assaults occurred, the boy and girl fled the scene in a taxi.”
Two teenagers were soon spotted in the Canberra Outlet Centre, where the 16-year-old boy allegedly stole a pair of shoes from a store.
He allegedly tried to flee from police, but was arrested after a short foot pursuit. The 14-year-old girl was arrested as well.
The 16-year-old faced the ACT Children’s Court on Tuesday charged with two counts of assault and theft.
The 14-year-old girl will face the Children’s Court next month charged with assault.