Washington Teenager Accused of Participating in Youth Gang Attack on Solo Officer
A WA police officer was reportedly attacked by a group of teenagers riding bikes while on duty on Dec. 28.
The Western Australian (WA) Police have pressed charges against a teenager for participating in an alleged gang assault on a police officer.
The incident took place on the afternoon of Dec. 28 when an officer approached a 16-year-old boy who was charging his e-motorcycle outside the Optus Stadium in Perth. Allegedly, he was riding the vehicle illegally.
Among approximately 30 teenagers who rode bikes and gathered outside the stadium, the boy was one of them.
According to a police statement obtained by The Epoch Times, the officer suffered cuts and bruises to his face.
After assaulting the officer, the boy fled the scene on his e-motorcycle but was later apprehended.
The 16-year-old has been charged by WA Police with assaulting a public officer. It remains unclear whether the other children involved in the attack were also charged.
He is scheduled to appear in the Perth Children’s Court on Jan. 22, 2025.
On Dec. 30, a 19-year-old man was also charged for organizing a gathering that turned out to be uncontrollable. He is set to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Jan. 28, 2025.
WA Police stated that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Prior to the incident, there were reports of a large group of juveniles riding bicycles, scooters, and e-motorcycles causing disturbances in various areas of Perth.
WA Police Inspector Steve Walters mentioned that the group was causing chaos throughout the city, which included allegations of reckless driving, property damage, and potentially assault.
He defended the officer’s actions, stating that there was no intent to harm the 16-year-old boy.
“If anything, he’s probably reached out to make an arrest,” Walters explained. “The young man was riding an electronic motorcycle, which is illegal, and it was on a shared footpath.”
