Northern Territory Police have responded to a disturbance in the remote community of Palumpa after receiving reports of a large group fighting while armed with weapons.
At around 10:40am yesterday, police received a Triple Zero call reporting a large brawl involving multiple people armed with axes, hammers and spears.
Members from Peppimenarti Police Station, who were conducting routine patrols on Port Keats Road, attended and came across a group of people fighting. The group dispersed on the arrival of police.
Police located a 36-year-old woman who had suffered a head injury after allegedly being struck with an axe. While officers were assisting the woman, they observed a vehicle, believed to be stolen, driving through residential properties and at speed through the community.
A brief pursuit was initiated; however, it was terminated when visibility was lost on an unsealed road. While officers had stopped to reassess, the stolen vehicle turned and was deliberately driven towards the marked police vehicle before veering away at the last moment.
The vehicle later returned to Palumpa and was again driven directly at the marked police vehicle, colliding with it before fleeing towards Peppimenarti. The police vehicle sustained damage, preventing officers from continuing the pursuit. No officers were seriously injured.
Additional police resources from Wadeye were deployed to support local members and restore order within the community.
After the incident, police remained in Palumpa and assisted in mediating between those involved in the original disturbance.
Senior Sergeant Byron May said the conduct displayed during the incident was unacceptable.
"The actions of those involved placed members of the community and responding police at significant risk.
"Deliberately driving at police and engaging in violent behaviour with weapons will not be tolerated.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the professionalism of our local officers, who not only responded to a dangerous incident but also worked with the community to prevent any further violence."
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, has information, or has dash-cam footage to contact 131 444, please quote reference number P26187551. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
