Police warn of cannabis gummies after child hospitalised

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing is warning the community of potentially harmful cannabis ‘gummies’ after a child was hospitalised last month after consuming them.

In August 2024, a child collapsed, was in and out of consciousness, and vomited after reportedly consuming cannabis laced gummies. The child was subsequently transported to hospital.

It is alleged that the cannabis gummies were purchased via social media, believed to be from a 24-year-old man who was recently charged with drug and vape trafficking.

Officer in Charge of Gungahlin Police Station, Inspector Nigel Booth, said the cannabis gummies believed to have been consumed by the child are of significant concern to police.

“Following analysis of evidence collected on Friday, we are aware that the man we allege is responsible for the supply of these gummies had conducted approximately 150 deals between Tuesday and Thursday last week, most of which were to school aged children,” Inspector Booth said.

“Given the reckless way these gummies are being produced, the potency and ingredients of the gummies could be anything.”

“Police are very concerned as we believe that people, including children, are still in possession of these gummies.

“We would encourage parents to speak to their children and discuss the potentially harmful impacts that these drugs can pose. If you have them – hand them into your closest police station.”

Man charged following family violence incident

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 21 October 2024 2:42pm

Original publication: Tuesday, 15 October 2024 9:50am

A 58-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today after allegedly assaulting his wife and another family member during an incident last night.

About 8.15pm (Monday, 14 October 2024), the man got into a verbal argument with family members during dinner after consuming alcohol.

He allegedly assaulted another man by slapping him in the face and when his wife attempted to intervene, he punched in her in the face repeatedly.

He then followed her as she attempted to leave the residence and assaulted her again by shoving her against a wall.

Police arrived a short time later and after speaking to witnesses, the man was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of aggravated common assault and aggravated property damage.

ACT Policing stands ready to assist victims experiencing family violence. If you are in this situation – when it is safe to do so – please contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or contact a support service who can assist with crisis support, safety planning and advice.

If you require assistance, you can contact:

  • Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
  • Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance.
  • The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.
  • The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6280 0900..

Man to face court charged with forcible confinement and assault

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 21 October 2024 2:41pm

Original publication: Sunday, 13 October 2024 9:35am

A 22-year-old Holder man will face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow after he allegedly strangled and assaulted his partner last night.

Throughout the evening (Saturday, 12 October 2024), the man is alleged to have become aggressive towards the victim following a disagreement at their residence.

He then allegedly pushed the victim to the ground, strangled her, and dragged her by her hair.

When she attempted to leave the residence, the man allegedly pushed her against a wall, strangled her, and hid her car keys – prohibiting her from leaving.

A short time later, the woman managed to flee and contact police.

About 11pm, police arrived and located the victim hiding behind a car at the front of the residence.

The man was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of strangling, forcible confinement, and aggravated common assault. He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday, 14 October 2024).

If you are a victim of family violence or believe someone you know is the victim of family violence, you can contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or attend any police station..

The following support services are also available:

ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525

YWCA Canberra Domestic Violence Support Service 02 6185 2000

ACT Government family violence services

Fraud investigation and online marketplace warning

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 21 October 2024 2:41pm

Original publication: Saturday, 12 October 2024 8:58am

ACT Policing is issuing a reminder to be cautious when selling second-hand items online.

Police recently arrested a man who it is alleged produced fake electronic transaction/transfer receipts when attempting to purchase items online. These items included vehicles and other items of value.

Only in some of the cases were the items returned when the sellers did not receive the expected funds.

ACT Policing is urging Canberrans who sell items online to never hand over goods until a payment is properly received. Never rely on images or copies of ‘receipts’ provided by the buyer. Bank cheques and cash can also be requested as suitable payment options.

Investigations into the arrested man’s activities are continuing and at this time no charges have been laid.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a similar incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously..

Witnesses sought to serious assault at house party

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 21 October 2024 2:41pm

Original publication: Friday, 11 October 2024 11:29am

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to a serious assault that occurred in Giralang last Friday that left a man in hospital.

Between 8.15pm and 8.45pm on Friday (4 October 2024), a group of young people attempted to enter a house party without invitation and an altercation occurred soon after.

A 19-year-old man was assaulted by several people and was transported to hospital where he was treated for serious facial injuries.

Police have spoken to some of the witnesses present, however are seeking further witnesses to come forward to assist in the investigation – including anyone who may have any additional footage of the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information in relation to the identity of the offenders, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7867325..

Police seek to identify rideshare driver following Kowen Forest incident

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 7:59am

Original publication: Friday, 11 October 2024 9:33am

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify a rideshare driver who may have transported several men believed to be involved in an incident at a Kowen Forest dance party. 

About 2.45am on Sunday, 29 September 2024, police and emergency services were called to a dance party being held in the Kowen Forest. 

Following investigations, police believe there were at least 20 victims who were robbed or assaulted during the incident. 

The group of approximately eight alleged offenders fled the scene in a rideshare vehicle, possibly a silver Kia Carnival or similar, before police and emergency services arrived. 

Police would like to speak to the rideshare driver who picked up the alleged offenders from the scene and transported them to the Canberra CBD in the early hours of Sunday, 29 September 2024. 

While police have identified a group of suspects, anyone who can assist police in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 7862603. Information can be provided anonymously.

Witnesses and dashcam footage sought to collision on William Hovell Drive

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 2:32pm

Original publication: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 12:05pm

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage of a two vehicle collision that occurred on William Hovell Drive last week.

About 6.30am on Thursday, 1 October 2024, police and emergency services responded to a collision between a white Toyota Camry and a black Hyundai Tucson on William Hovell Drive, approximately one kilometre west of John Gorton Drive, Whitlam.

Police have already spoken to a number of witnesses, however would like to speak to anyone else who witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage that captures the incident.

Anyone who can assist is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 7876836. Information can be provided anonymously.

Man charged with making threats to kill and assault

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 9:11am

Original publication: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 9:11am

A 28-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning charged with making threats to kill and other family violence offences.

About 6.30pm last night, police allege the man attended his former partner’s residence carrying alcohol and believed to be intoxicated.

At this time, the woman asked him to leave the property, however he allegedly refused to leave and began making threats to kill her.

The man then allegedly began urinating on her carpet, couch and clothing.

When he was once again told to leave, the man allegedly hit the woman in the face.

The woman then contacted police, who arrived shortly after.

The 28-year-old was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated common assault, damaging property, making threats to kill, and contravening a family violence order.

Man to face multiple historical sexual assault charges

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Thursday, 31 October 2024 5:42pm

Original publication: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 7:59am

A 56-year-old man will face court today in relation to alleged sexual assaults that occurred in the 1980’s.

In May this year (2024) a report was received by ACT Policing regarding allegations of sexual assaults committed by a boy against his sister in the 1980’s.

An investigation was commenced and on Saturday (19 October 2024), a 56-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts of indecent assault on a female (pre-1985).

The man is expected to appear in the ACT Childrens Court today (Monday 21 October 2024) – due to his age when the alleged sexual assaults occurred.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131444.

Traffic disruptions in Canberra tomorrow

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 22 October 2024 7:59am

Original publication: Sunday, 20 October 2024 8:08am

ACT Policing is alerting Canberrans about traffic disruptions tomorrow due to the visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Canberra.

Traffic disruptions will occur on roads around Canberra Airport, Yarralumla, the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and Black Mountain tomorrow (Monday, 21 October 2024) between 11:30am and 6pm.

Sections of Anzac Parade, Limestone Avenue, and Fairbairn Avenue near the Australian War Memorial will be closed between 10am and 1.30pm.

Parliament Drive and sections of Kings Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Federation Mall will be closed between 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

People travelling to Canberra Airport on Monday should leave with plenty of time to make scheduled flights, factoring in potential delays on the roads.

People attending the events at either the Australian War Memorial or Parliament House are encouraged to use Transport Canberra’s free shuttle services departing from the City Interchange.

Further information about these services is available on the Royal visit public transport and free shuttle bus arrangements – Transport Canberra (act.gov.au).

Drivers who find themselves in delayed traffic are reminded to obey the directions of police, and if stopped, should not break road rules (including crossing verges, paths or median strips). Disruptions will be kept to a minimum.

If road users encounter police managing a motorcade we ask that they:

  • Be aware of their surroundings at all times.
  • Obey the directions of police – especially at intersections
  • Be patient
  • Don’t drive over median strips or perform illegal u-turns
  • Recognise that the delay will be for a short period only as the motorcade moves through

ACT Policing thanks Canberra’s drivers for their understanding as this operation occurs.