ACT Policing has confirmed a 29-year-old Indigenous man is dead and a man is in custody following an altercation in Civic this morning, Saturday 4 December.
At about 9.45am today, ACT Policing received a call to assist following reports of a man collapsing near a café in Garema Place.
Despite first-aid efforts from members of the public, police and ACT Ambulance Service officers, a 29-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
At this time police believe an altercation occurred near the area where the man collapsed.
The man in custody was apprehended in the Garema Place area after a foot pursuit with the police and is assisting with the investigation. However no charges have been laid at this time.
Early reports suggested it was a stabbing, but ACT Policing said the investigations are early and would not comment on the exact nature of the altercation.
A nearby alleyway near the corner of Mort Street and City Walk was cordoned off by police.
Several people were seen hugging and crying near the police cordon and officers were seen interviewing bystanders throughout the morning.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller extended his sympathies to the Indigenous community.
“I’d also like to acknowledge that the male that died today was Indigenous, certainly from ACT Policing’s perspective we’d like to show our sympathies to the Indigenous community,” he said.
In a media statement issued this afternoon, ACT Policing said “we recognise today’s incident will come as a shock and we will provide support to the family and friends of the man who died”.
Police are collecting CCTV and speaking to witnesses in an effort to confirm the exact circumstances of the incident.
Any other witnesses or people with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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