A man has been arrested and charged following a frightening incident in Canberra's south, where he allegedly threatened members of the public with knives. The Australian Federal Police are now urging witnesses to come forward.
Alleged theft and threats in Fyshwick
The incident unfolded on Friday, January 2, 2026, in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick. Police allege that around 12:10 pm, a 44-year-old man from Ainslie stole two large knives from a shop located on Iron Knob Street.
Authorities were called to the scene at approximately 12:15 pm after receiving reports of the theft. Further calls then began flooding in from concerned members of the public who reported a man threatening people with knives and "yelling obscenities" while walking along the same street.
Swift police response and arrest
Officers responded promptly to the threats, leading to the swift arrest of the man. Following his arrest, witnesses directed police to a bag the man had reportedly dropped. Inside the bag, officers located the two knives that were allegedly stolen just moments earlier.
The 44-year-old Ainslie man was taken into custody and has since been charged with a series of offences. These charges include:
- Theft
- Possessing an offensive weapon with intent
- Possessing a knife without reasonable excuse
- Acts to cause public alarm
- Breach of bail
He was scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Police appeal for further information
While an arrest has been made, the investigation remains active. The Australian Federal Police are seeking additional witnesses or anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage from the Fyshwick area between 12:10 pm and 12:15 pm on Friday, January 2.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers and quote reference number 8263406. This appeal underscores the importance of community assistance in resolving such incidents and ensuring public safety.
The event has highlighted ongoing concerns about weapon-related incidents in public spaces, with police acting decisively to neutralise the threat. The quick reporting by members of the public played a crucial role in the police response.
