Resident speaks out about alleged Wandina attempted burglary and axe attack as police charge two juveniles

Police have charged two teenage boys following an alleged axe attack on a man who chased a group of juveniles he says he caught trying to break into his Wandina home early on Sunday. Two teenagers will face court after the attempted home burglary on Bellimos Drive. About 3am, police allege the man in his 50s got home from work to find a gang of juveniles trying to get into his home. He followed them down the road in his vehicle. When he confronted the group, police allege a 17-year-old boy assaulted the man with an axe, cutting his head and leaving him needing medical treatment. A nearby resident in the area said the man followed the group towards Seaview Boulevard where the alleged attack happened. He said hearing about the incident had him worried and kept him up at night. “It is concerning kids are walking around the street late at night armed with axes, and probably knives, and anything else,” he said. The resident said it could have been anyone in the firing line of teenagers who “brazenly” walk around with weapons late at night and early into the morning. Police on Tuesday confirmed they had arrested three juvenile boys and charged a 17-year-old with intent to harm did an act causing bodily harm and attempted aggravated burglary, and charged a 14-year-old with attempted aggravated burglary. The third juvenile was not charged. Police previously alleged a hammer was involved in the incident and that six to eight juveniles were confronted. They also said the victim might have a broken hand. Acting officer in charge Sen. Sgt Paul Johnson urged residents to call police immediately rather than confront suspects. “I know we know these things can be frustrating, but it’s really not in your best interest to be taking it into your own hands,” he said. “The best thing to do is to ring police because it’s just such an unpredictable way to go about things.” The 14 and 17-year-olds were due appear in the Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday. Police are still looking to identify potential co-offenders. They want residents or motorists to check their CCTV footage or dash cam vision if they were in the Wandina area around that time near Bellimos Drive, Oceanside Drive, Beacon Rise, Seaview Boulevard and surrounding areas. Anyone who can help can call Geraldton police on 9923 4555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.