<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>  
<docID>339717</docID>
<postdate>2025-03-06 10:38:00</postdate>
<headline>Machete boy and woman arrested in Bonython</headline>
<body><p><strong>A 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman have been charged following the lockdown of the Canberra Outlet Centre last Thursday.</strong></p>
<p>They were arrested in an allegedly stolen car in Bonython on Wednesday afternoon in the company of another 17-year-old boy.</p>
<p>Despite efforts to evade police, including ramming a police vehicle and injuring a police officer who will require surgery to his hand, the three of them were arrested.</p>
<p>Last week the couple are alleged to have stolen a pair of shoes from a shop at the Canberra Outlet Centre. When they were confronted, police say the boy produced a machete and threatened staff and shoppers. The pair fled the centre immediately after the confrontation. No-one was injured.</p>
<p>Police have now charged him with offences including joint commission aggravated robbery, acting to cause public alarm, possessing an offensive weapon with intent, and driving a motor vehicle without consent.</p>
<p>The woman was charged with aggravated robbery in company.</p>
<p>The second 17-year-old boy was subject to an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court on unrelated charges.</p>
<p>Further charges are expected to be laid.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</body>