An 18-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after an alleged stabbing that occurred yesterday in an underground carpark of a Melbourne shopping centre.
Authorities believe the teenager was involved in a physical altercation with another boy around 4 PM at Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
The 18-year-old was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
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9News understands shoppers were placed in lockdown while the incident unfolded, highlighting the ongoing issues related to crime in public spaces.
One shopper, who took to social media, described it as “one of the most traumatic things” they’ve ever experienced.
“You hear about stories like this but never expect it to happen in the same setting as you. I still can’t believe this happened,” the woman said.
Police apprehended a 16-year-old boy nearby.
He has since been interviewed and charged with recklessly causing serious injury, possessing a drug of dependence, and possessing a controlled weapon.
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The incident occurred just hours before the state parliament passed what they called the “toughest bail laws” in the country.
A state-wide ban on machetes was also passed and will take effect on September 1, as part of ongoing efforts to address increasing crime rates.
It was also revealed that crimes committed by young people across Victoria have reached their highest level in three decades.
The 16-year-old boy has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
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