In a quick turnaround, three teenagers have been charged after an allegedly violent brawl and stabbing occurred at the local Westfield Shopping Centre in Knox on Monday 7 July.
The three teens, including one from the Yarra Ranges, are now expected to appear at the Children’s Court, while another involved was seriously injured and landed in hospital.
The original incident unfolded around 5.30 pm at the Burwood Highway Westfield shopping complex when an altercation reportedly broke out among a group of teenage males, ending in violence.
One teenager sustained serious injuries with what a police spokesperson described as ‘consistent with a stabbing’ and was taken to the hospital for treatment, while others involved in the shocking incident allegedly fled the scene before police arrived.
Following a comprehensive investigation, officers from the Eastern Region Crime Squad, with support from the Knox and Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Units, arrested three teenagers on Tuesday 8 July.
A 17 year old from the Yarra Ranges has been charged with a number of offences including intentionally causing injury, theft of a motor vehicle, affray and assault.
Two other teens, aged 16 and 17 and both from the Bass Coast area, will face over 10 charges, including robbery, affray, assault, motor vehicle theft, attempted aggravated burglary, and intentionally causing injury.
All three teens have been remanded and are expected to appear before a children’s court later on Thursday 10 July.
In response to the incident and with school holidays underway, police have increased patrols in the area and will maintain a visible presence around shopping precincts.
“We understand that incidents involving knives at shopping centres are distressing,” said a Police spokesperson.
“We want the community to enjoy the school holidays safely and without fear.”
Authorities confirmed they will continue working closely with shopping centre management and security to ensure appropriate safety measures remain in place.
A Westfield Knox spokesperson told Star Mail on Tuesday 8 July, that as the incident unfolded, their team engaged Police promptly, and they arrived onsite within minutes.
“The safety and security of our customers, business partners and people is our highest priority,” they said.
