A 22-year-old man sustained serious injuries after being impaled by a three-pronged spear during a violent clash involving approximately 100 people in the remote Australian community of Wadeye. The incident occurred on Monday night between two family groups, according to police.
Police were called to the scene around 11:45 p.m. following reports of unrest, with individuals allegedly armed with weapons including compound bows, spears, and metal objects. Officers located and safely removed the injured man from the area, transporting him to the Wadeye Health Clinic for treatment.
During the disturbance, a vehicle parked near a residence was also set on fire after allegedly being surrounded by members of one of the involved groups. Additional police personnel were recalled to duty to help restore order.
This latest incident follows a series of violent events in Wadeye, located 395 kilometers southwest of Darwin. Just days prior, 13 individuals were charged in connection with ongoing unrest in the community. Police stated that ten men and three women, aged between 19 and 45, were remanded in custody on Saturday following a police crackdown.
Authorities have expressed frustration with the persistent violence, alleging that a small faction has continued to "inflict fear and disruption" in the township. The recent police operation led to over 50 charges being laid, including recklessly endangering life, taking part in a riot, arson, going armed in public, and theft.
Since early August, Wadeye has experienced numerous incidents, including fights, the use of weapons, deliberately lit fires, damage to homes and vehicles, aggravated burglaries, and dangerous driving, according to police reports. The ongoing issues have prompted an increased police presence in the remote community.