Man shot with crossbow in NT community brawl

Northern Territory Police are investigating an outbreak of violence in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye after a man was shot with a crossbow.

It is believed to be third incident in the Top End in recent days as locals fought a running battle in Maningrida in Arnhem Land between January 1 and January 4, and in nearby Ramingining, where more violence took place.

Up to 15 people were fighting in Wadeye in the early hours of yesterday in a dispute believed to be linked to a fight involving about 100 people, some armed with edged weapons, that broke out on Monday.

Large Indigenous community

A 34-year-old man was treated at the Wadeye Community Health Centre with a crossbow bolt lodged in his arm, and was later flown to Darwin for treatment.

“We are working closely with Community Elders, Traditional Owners and other relevant stakeholders to restore calm and community safety,” Acting Senior Sergeant Jimmy Yengayenga said.

Wadeye, 395km southwest of Darwin, is one of the largest Aboriginal communities in the NT and home to more than 2,000 members of more than a dozen clans.

It is currently considering reintroducing liquor sales after 30 years as a dry community in an attempt to combat the problem of black market alcohol.

Last month police in the region stopped four “grog-runner” vehicles and seized 160 bottles of alcohol, which have an estimated resale value of $800 each.

NT Police released a statement on Wednesday asking for anyone who witnessed the incident in Wadeye to contact them through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.