Teenage Suspect on Bail Following Alleged Daylight Knife Attack
A 14-year-old boy, who was out on bail at the time, is alleged to have slashed a man during a frightening suspected armed robbery in the southeast of Melbourne, according to Victoria Police. The incident has intensified concerns over youth crime and knife violence in the city.
The episode unfolded on November 3 at approximately 9am on Slatter Place in Pakenham. Police state that a suspected stolen grey Range Rover pulled up beside a 19-year-old man and his 16-year-old friend as they were walking. A 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl then allegedly jumped from the vehicle and confronted the pair.
Violent Confrontation Caught on CCTV
The assailants demanded the 19-year-old hand over an item, and when he refused, a violent scuffle erupted on the front yard of a nearby home. CCTV footage obtained by 9News shows punches being thrown as the victim attempts to defend himself, backing up onto a front porch.
Police allege the situation escalated dramatically when the 14-year-old boy pulled a knife and swung it at the victim. The 19-year-old moved back onto the lawn before being slashed on the arm. The victim's 16-year-old friend is seen in the footage rushing to his aid, shoving the allegedly armed teenager away. The two victims then managed to run towards a nearby train station.
During the brawl, the 16-year-old girl allegedly picked up one of the victim’s bags before she and the alleged knife attacker fled the scene in the Range Rover. The 19-year-old victim was subsequently taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Broader Pattern of Youth and Knife Crime
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of knife and machete crime in Melbourne, much of which involves young offenders. In a tragic example from September, two Melbourne teens, 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek, were allegedly killed with machetes after walking home from basketball training.
In response, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a crackdown on youths who commit violent crimes, including a new 'Adult Time for Adult Crime' policy. This will see children who commit serious offences tried as adults and facing longer jail sentences.
Adding to the crackdown, Victoria Police announced it has seized a record 15,010 edged weapons from criminals this year – the highest number since records began. This equates to an average of 47 knives, machetes, and zombie knives per day that have been taken off the streets and destroyed in 2025, surpassing last year's record of 14,808.
Police are also actively targeting known youth gang members as part of Operation Alliance, focusing on those most likely to carry weapons in public. The 14-year-old boy from Kingston was arrested on November 6 and faces charges including armed robbery, intentionally causing serious injury, theft of a motor vehicle, and committing an indictable offence while on bail. He was remanded in custody to appear before a children’s court. The 16-year-old girl was arrested on November 11, charged with robbery and theft, and was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
