Police have charged a 17-year-old youth in relation to stealing offences yesterday in the Katherine CBD.

Police allege that at approximately 4:20 pm while observing CCTV footage they saw a female security guard in a scuffle with a young male which then went out of camera view.

Police Beat members quickly attended the scene but the offender had fled.

It is alleged the security guard spoke to the youth in relation to stealing and the offender has then produced a bottle of alcohol from the front of his pants.

It is further alleged that as the security guard took hold of the youth's arm he has bitten her hand and punched her twice in the ribs before running off.

Police Beat members subsequently viewed the footage and were able to identify witnesses who then assisted police with their investigation.

At around 5.30 pm Katherine Police members observed the offender walking on a dirt track near the Kalano Community to the north of the township. Upon seeing police the youth ran down an embankment towards the Katherine River with police members in chase.

In an attempt to avoid apprehension the youth entered the Katherine River on the north side and swam to the south side. The youth re-entered the river when he realised another police unit was waiting for him. The youth then held on to a semi submerged tree branch in the middle of the river while police negotiated with him.

With the assistance of a member of the public who had just launched his boat, police were able to apprehend the youth in the middle of the river.

The youth will appear in the Katherine Court to face charges of robbery causing harm.

Katherine Police would like to acknowledge the considerable assistance received from the Katherine community, which assisted in the speedy identification and arrest of the offender.

Media Contact:
Sarah Trinne
8922 3531