WEEKS on from the passing of youth justice legislation, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged stabbing of a Coles employee.
Police allege the teenager approached the 63-year-old woman while she was working at the supermarket in Ipswich’s Yamanto Shopping Centre, south-west of Brisbane, and stabbed her in the back with a knife before attempting to flee the scene.
Members of the public and security staff restrained the boy until police arrived.
Superintendent Kylie Reed commended their actions.
“It certainly was very brave of them to come forward and assist,” she said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has flagged further changes to youth justice legislation.
The injured woman was treated by attending police before being transported by paramedics to Princess Alexander Hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Detective Inspector Michael Manago described the attack on Monday evening as an “abhorrent crime.”
“This is an abhorrent crime that occurred to an innocent, 63-year-old woman who is going about her daily employment at that shopping centre, and it shouldn’t happen in society,” he said.
Police confirmed the alleged attack was random and they believe the 13-year-old acted alone.
“There was nothing to suggest that any other persons were involved,” Det Insp Manago said.
Detectives are investigating how the boy obtained the knife, with recent legislation known as ‘Jack’s Law’ restricting the sales of knives in Queensland.
The teenager was charged overnight and is set to face the Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday.
In a statement, a Coles spokesperson expressed their support for the injured worker and praised those who intervened.
“Our thoughts are with our store team member and their family after the distressing incident that occurred on Monday.
“We are committed to providing them with support, as well as their colleagues who are being offered counselling during this difficult time.
“The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has condemned the incident.
He has described the attack as traumatic and reflective of a broader issue the state is grappling with.
