‘I was just shocked’: 13 yo boy accused of stabbing Coles worker in terrifying incident

Incidents at everyday locations can sometimes take a shocking turn, leaving communities grappling with questions about safety and security.

What started as a seemingly ordinary day in southeast Queensland soon became the centre of a deeply distressing event.

The aftermath has sparked widespread concern and a closer look at the circumstances surrounding this troubling occurrence.


A 13-year-old boy faced charges of attempted murder after a 63-year-old Coles employee was allegedly stabbed at a supermarket in Queensland’s southeast.


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Shopping centre attack leaves woman critical. Image source: 7NEWS


Emergency services responded to an incident at Yamanto Central near Warwick Rd around 5.25 pm on Monday after reports of a woman with stab wounds.

Authorities alleged the boy approached a Coles staff member before allegedly attacking her with a knife.

The teenager fled the scene, but bystanders reportedly managed to detain him before police arrived.


Upon arrival, officers found the 63-year-old woman with a serious back injury.

It was understood that the woman was employed at the Coles store.

She was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.


As of 14 January morning, she remained in critical condition.

The 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder and was set to appear in Ipswich Children’s Court on 21 January.

A Coles spokeswoman expressed gratitude to emergency services and confirmed the company was assisting with the investigation.


‘Our thoughts are with our store team member and their family after the distressing incident that occurred on 13 January,’ the spokeswoman said.

‘We are committed to providing them with support, as well as their colleagues who are being offered counselling during this difficult time.’

‘The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority.’


A witness described the moment the boy was chased through the shopping centre following the alleged attack.

‘The next thing he was sprinting, there was like 15 people chasing after him and he was walked out in cuffs and everything … I was just shocked because he was so little,’ they told media.

Other witnesses said the boy appeared as young as 10 and was wearing a Disney T-shirt at the time.

Police urged anyone with information, video footage, or witness accounts to come forward.

Key Takeaways
  • A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 63-year-old Coles worker in a southeast Queensland shopping centre.
  • The victim, an employee at the Coles, sustained a serious back injury and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition.
  • The boy fled the scene but was reportedly detained by bystanders before police arrived.
  • Coles confirmed they are supporting the victim, her colleagues, and the police investigation, while witnesses described the shocking incident.

As the investigation unfolds, this shocking incident leaves many wondering—how can public spaces ensure the safety of everyone, from employees to everyday shoppers?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
 

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Yes, I realise that, but it does not preclude mental condition. In the case of the child being 13, I suspect he has not had the opportunity to be assessed for mental health - therefore not diagnosed or medicated.
Being 13 years of age does not preclude a child from a mental health assessment. I have accompanied an eight year girl with associated intellectual disabilities with her parents to such an assessment. Mental health issues do not discriminate due to age.
OMG!!! This is all conjecture isn’t it? Sheer speculation! My opinion was that no normal person does such a thing, therefore as far as I am concerned, there is some underlying reason for such behaviour. Of course if the child has parents who did in fact take him for assessment it would happen…but did they?…we don’t know. Now, go bark at the moon
 
OMG!!! This is all conjecture isn’t it? Sheer speculation! My opinion was that no normal person does such a thing, therefore as far as I am concerned, there is some underlying reason for such behaviour. Of course if the child has parents who did in fact take him for assessment it would happen…but did they?…we don’t know. Now, go bark at the moon
Back to you!\

 
Why the cottonwool treatment of your grandson? As a 10 year old only child, I was "home alone" on many occasions while my parents went out socialising. In addition, I was able to access the Sydney CBD alone checking out record stores, stationery suppliers, the Australian Museum on College Street and philately shops. That was in 1969.

On the subject of child independence, I wrote a piece last year on the subject of "duty of care" versus "dignity of risk" for my Law and Ethics studies last year. If you would like more information, just ask!!
Yes you are talking 1969 not now. I too was left at home alone looking after my sisters when I was 10, started work at 15 and went on public transport to the city and home each day. I have an 11yo granddaughter and no way in hell will her parents or me allow her to go to shopping centers or on public transport on her own or with friends. Not with what is happening all around us these days. It called looked after your children!!!!!!
 
Doesn't matter who or what started it - there seems no doubt to me that there is mental illness behind this - far from normal.
I agree this boy is troubled and angry, whether he'd been neglected or bullied, just my opinion.
 
The paper said he had a carer, not his parents. Prior to this stabbing, he threw piping hot milk at another lady, which scalded her around her head/neck area. He obviously is troubled with mental health issues.
 
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The paper said he had a carer, not his parents. Prior to this stabbing, he threw piping hot milk at another lady, which scalded her around her head/neck area. He obviously is troubled with mental health issues.
He is in dire need of a medical assessment to determine what type of mental issues he has. This most likely has been an ongoing problem since the age of ??

I’ve had personal dealings with those who have mental problems, even when they’re quite young. At 13 his problems will escalate and medication will require a psychiatrist.

I doubt he has the ability to fully comprehend the consequences of his actions. He needs help asap before he does even more harm.
 
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He is in dire need of a medical assessment to determine what type of mental issues he has. This most likely has been an ongoing problem since the age of ??

I’ve had personal dealings with those who have mental problems, even when they’re quite young. At 13 his problems will escalate and medication will require a psychiatrist.

I doubt he has the ability to fully comprehend the consequences of his actions. He needs help asap before he does even more harm.
Definitely agree. I think it's on the cards that he will be locked up this time. Qld has new teenage criminal laws.
 
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Definitely agree. I think it's on the cards that he will be locked up this time. Qld has new teenage criminal laws.
Being locked up is fine, but as long as he receives medical attention. Unfortunately detention centres and prisons don’t provide that. ☹️
 
Being locked up is fine, but as long as he receives medical attention. Unfortunately detention centres and prisons don’t provide that. ☹️
New chartered waters for these teenage crims. I guess the relevant medical assessments will be done and hope he receives medical help with these new laws. Time will tell if the new Qld Liberals keep their word.
 
Very well stated. Unfortunately all that you said is oh so true. Parental discipline being taken away has caused a lot of the problems we now see, manifested out in the public arena.
Exactly, By law a parent / guardian cannot physically stop a child or other person from walking out the door and leaving.
 
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Being locked up is fine, but as long as he receives medical attention. Unfortunately detention centres and prisons don’t provide that. ☹️
Probably offered medical attention however, some don't take it as well.
He was also on bail.
 
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ADHD has f**k all to do with it! Ever dealt with adolescents with ADHD and intellectual disabilities and how they have faced the judicial system?

You live in the atmosphere of assumption without facts!
I do know so please don't assume of others. I have a 24 year old grandchild with ADHD and it's very hard to live with a child come adult with this traumatic disorder.
We're all allowed our own opinions and I did say some parents have a difficult time with ADHD offspring's.
 
How can you say the parents are liable? Kids get in with the wrong crowd and do things they normally wouldn't do because of the peer pressure. Also his background may have more to do with it, as we have a lot of people coming here from war torn countries where the children have seen nothing but violence as a way to solving problems. He is 13 and according to the law is capable of having criminal intent. Put yourself in the parents place, they may have no idea what their "little angel" gets up to when he leaves the house.
You've answered your own question.
 
New chartered waters for these teenage crims. I guess the relevant medical assessments will be done and hope he receives medical help with these new laws. Time will tell if the new Qld Liberals keep their word.
I won’t hold my breath. I don’t trust politicians.
 
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