Woman, 63, allegedly stabbed in the back while working at supermarket in Ipswich’s Yamanto Central shopping centre
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged stabbing of a Coles employee.
Police allege the teenager approached the 63-year-old woman while she was working at the supermarket in Ipswich’s Yamanto Shopping Centre, south-west of Brisbane, and stabbed her in the back with a knife before attempting to flee the scene.
Members of the public and security staff restrained the boy until police arrived.
Supt Kylie Reed commended their actions.
“It certainly was very brave of them to come forward and assist,” she said.
The injured woman was treated by attending police before being transported by paramedics to Princess Alexander hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Det Insp Michael Manago described the alleged attack on Monday evening as “abhorrent”.
“This is an abhorrent [alleged stabbing] that occurred to an innocent, 63-year-old woman who is going about her daily employment at that shopping centre, and it shouldn’t happen in society,” he said.
Police confirmed the alleged attack was random and they believe the 13-year-old acted alone.
“There was nothing to suggest that any other persons were involved,” Manago said.
Detectives are investigating how the knife was obtained, with recent legislation known as Jack’s Law restricting the sales of knives in Queensland.
The teenager was charged overnight and is set to face the Ipswich children’s court on Tuesday.
In a statement, a Coles spokesperson expressed their support for the injured worker and praised those who intervened.
“Our thoughts are with our store team member and their family after the distressing incident that occurred on Monday.
“We are committed to providing them with support, as well as their colleagues who are being offered counselling during this difficult time.
“The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority.
“We thank all those who assisted, including emergency services and Queensland Police, who we are working with on the investigation.”
Queensland premier, David Crisafulli, has condemned the incident, calling it traumatic and reflective of a broader issue the state is grappling with.
“It is just so traumatic. What has unfolded is something that no Queenslander wants to see,” the premier told reporters on the Sunshine Coast.
“There’s a sense of deja-vu for the state and is exactly the kinds of incidents that Queenslanders have had enough of.”
The premier flagged further changes to youth justice legislation, after the “adult crime, adult time” laws passed in December.
“I’ve already indicated that we are putting together an expert panel to do future changes,” he said.
“Believe me, they will occur.”
Queensland police have assured the community that additional high-visibility patrols will be conducted at Yamanto Central.
“We are already drafting plans to conduct additional high-visibility patrols in these locations to restore public confidence,” Reed said.
The investigation is ongoing.
