Townsville police investigating an alleged incident in which a woman was assaulted and threatened with a firearm on Tuesday afternoon (January 10), have charged a man with multiple offences including assault occasioning bodily harm, deprivation of liberty and threatening violence (domestic violence offences).
Police will alleged, around 1.30pm, the man left a residence in a vehicle, taking their toddler with him.
Police were notified and prioritised an immediate, coordinated response, deploying all available crews to locate the man and child. Police intercepted his vehicle a short time later.
Police located a knife and baseball bat in the vehicle and a firearm at a residence which they will allege belong to the man.
The child was unharmed. The woman was transported to Townsville University Hospital for assessment.
A 29-year-old Townsville man was charged with two counts each of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and contravening a domestic violence order, and one count each of strangulation (domestic violence offence), common assault (domestic violence offence), deprivation of liberty (domestic violence offence), and threatening violence (domestic violence offence).
The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be preferred.
The man was denied police bail and is due to re-appear in Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit Officer in Charge Acting Sergeant Kallan Drury said the arrest of the man and safe return of the toddler was a great outcome.
"This was an outstanding combined response by general duties officers, detectives and the tactical crime unit to ensure the man was taken into custody as quickly and safely as possible.
"Domestic violence is a scourge on society and often has lifelong impacts on the victims and children.
"Townsville police are committed to protecting the victims of the cowardly crime that is domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
"Everyone has the right to live without fear of domestic and family violence."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
