Man Charged Following Alleged Attempted Kidnapping and Family Violence Offences in Palmerston
Umesh Dhakal
KNA- Canberra
A 29-year-old man has been charged with multiple family violence-related offences following an alleged aggravated burglary and attempted kidnapping in Palmerston on Saturday morning.
It is alleged that at about 9am on 14 February 2026, a residence in Palmerston was attended by the man while he was subject to an existing family violence order. Entry to the home was allegedly forced, placing him in breach of the order. The child’s grandmother was allegedly assaulted, and the man’s daughter was allegedly taken from the premises.
Police allege that the residence was then re-entered and a pair of scissors was obtained. An attempt was allegedly made to take the grandmother’s car keys, and she was further assaulted. An attempt to break into her vehicle was also allegedly made.
Intervention by members of the public is understood to have resulted in the child being freed. The man allegedly fled through nearby backyards before being arrested by police a short time later.
It has been confirmed that the man was also the subject of an active arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on unrelated matters.
An appearance is scheduled before the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 16 February 2026). Charges are expected to include attempted kidnapping, aggravated burglary, possessing an offensive weapon with intent, assault, attempting to drive a motor vehicle without consent, theft, trespass and contravening a family violence order.
Investigations are continuing.
Source: ACT Policing
