Police have made a third arrest following a violent altercation at a busy Adelaide shopping centre during Black Friday sales, which left two young men in hospital with stab wounds.
Violence Erupts During Busy Shopping Day
The incident unfolded just after 2pm on Friday, November 28, inside the Elizabeth City Centre in Adelaide's northern suburbs. A physical fight broke out between four males amidst the crowded sales event, causing panic and leading to the evacuation of shoppers.
Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, where officers provided immediate first aid to two injured victims before they were transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Victims' Conditions and Initial Arrests
A 16-year-old boy from Elizabeth Downs suffered a stab wound to his leg and remains in a critical condition in hospital. A 20-year-old man sustained a stab wound to the abdomen and is reported to be in a stable condition.
Police swiftly apprehended a 16-year-old boy from Elizabeth Downs at the scene. He was charged with two counts of causing serious harm and affray. The following day, Saturday, November 29, detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy from Craigmore. He was charged with aggravated assault and affray.
Third Arrest and Police Investigation
On Monday, December 1, Northern District detectives attended an address in Paralowie where they arrested an 18-year-old man without incident. He has been charged with aggravated assault and aggravated affray. The 18-year-old was granted police bail and is scheduled to appear at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on January 13, 2026.
The two younger accused, the 16-year-old from Elizabeth Downs and the 17-year-old from Craigmore, have been refused bail.
Investigators have confirmed that the weapon allegedly used in the attack has been recovered. Police stress that this was not a random attack, and all parties involved were known to each other.
Northern District Inspector Michael Ralph stated that police would maintain a visible presence in the area. "Police will continue regular patrols in the Northern District including in and around shopping centres," Inspector Ralph said.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have mobile phone footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
