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A Cairns shop assistant who confronted an alleged thief is among three victims of weekend punching attacks, with two police officers also assaulted.
The 33-year-old male shop worker was on duty at an Esplanade convenience store on Saturday night.
Police say he confronted a man who was trying to hide several items, including a bottle of Pine-o-Cleen, under his clothes.
“Police will allege the man has then punched the worker in the face,” said Senior Constable Matt Cornish.
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“He sustained minor injuries, bruising and lacerations which is consistent with the one punch to the face.”
The alleged thief, who fled the scene, was tracked by police using the CitySafe security camera network.
The 20-year-old from Woree was arrested and charged with robbery, possessing suspected stolen property, and stealing.
In a separate incident in Cooktown yesterday afternoon, two female officers were assaulted by a 53-year-old man.
Police say they arrested the man after he became involved in a fight with a patron at a licenced venue.
It’s alleged the assaults on the 22 and 24-year-old women took place as he exited the police car back at the Cooktown station.
“These females have ended up falling to the ground,” Senior Constable Cornish said.
“He’s allegedly punched one of them multiple times.
“They have sustained minor injuries, bruising, but they are doing quite well.
“Obviously it’s quite a traumatic incident and as police we shouldn’t be subjected to this sort of behaviour.”
The man has been charged with two counts of seriously assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct.
He’s scheduled to appear at Cooktown Magistrates Court on July 8.
Main points
- A Cairns shopkeeper was punched in the head when he confronted an alleged thief
- Two police officers were assaulted by a man they'd taken into custody in Cooktown
- Each of the victims received minor cuts and bruises
